Natural Nutmeg November 2018

November/December 2018

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

Digging Deeper into Diabetes

Andrea Colon, ND and Lauren Young, ND

Food-Confused?

Choose Minimally Processed for Optimal Wellness J. Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

Live Your Life

Bernie Siegel, MD

Natural Treatments for Anxiety & Panic Antonio Reale, ND

How Is Your Brain Performing?

Adam Breiner, ND

8 Tips to Restoring Healthy Brain Function David London, MD

How is Acupuncture Like a Snow Globe?

Matt Maneggia, LAc.

Celebrating 12 Years of Publishing www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING ...AND LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

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Join Juliette for a specially formulated face-to-face 48-hour private intensive (travel not included) on the Palm Beaches of Florida. Each activation intensive is a unique experience, unpredictable and always transformational. This is your time to connect deeply with your higher self, tap into Juliette's innate gift of insight, journey to the unknown, and clear all that holds you down. This all-in experience has proven to have a very profound effect to: • Clear Obstacles Standing in Your Way • Shatter Illusions Holding You Back

You’re Ready.

• Unveil Your Inner Truth, Purpose & Mission Clients report that they have shifted more in one day than in years of self-help and therapy. This is NOT for the faint of heart. You MUST be ready for this level of excavation, journeying, and re-integration. While powerful, it can be unnerving. You are shedding the old rapidly and rebuilding to emerge stronger, more powerful, and ready for the next level.

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Juliette understands the nuances driving individuals to seek their peak performance.

To her clients she's known as a game-changer. She specializes in breaking through blocks: medical, emotional, business, and relationships. To many she is their personal go-to strategist, confidante, and modern-day Shaman. With keen insight and heightened intuition she sees: your highest potential, other realms, the energy snags pulling on you, and the tools that can change your life forever.

With Juliette, there's less woo woo and more butt kicking, less blue skying and more earthwork. Firmly grounded, Juliette shifts perceptions rapidly. She shatters illusions and in doing so, creates a heart-centered path for you to thrive in your daily life and in your business.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

Did You Know Your Dentist Can Help LOWER YOUR RISK For: HEART ATTACK, STROKE, DIABETES, and ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

112 Deming Street South Windsor, CT 06074

No Dental Insurance?

No Problem!

Call Heather or Katie at (860) 640-4447

Information at: SouthWindsorSmiles.com/savings www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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In This Issue 13

Barre at the Brewery Event in Downtown Hartford Alexa Morawski and Erica Morawski

15

Home Care vs.

Home Health Care: What’s the Difference?

Neil Anand

16

10 Step Ayurvedic Approach to Body Weight Management Jyoti Chhabra, PhD

18

Reconnect with Nature, Reconnect with Yourself: A Whole-Health Journey in Africa Alexa Morawski and Donna Bunte, LAc.

19

Stop Those Attack Thoughts with Somatic Experiencing

In Every Issue 22

Adam Breiner, ND

24

8 Tips to Restoring Healthy Brain Function David London, MD

26

Understanding Brain Chemistry: Natural Treatments for Anxiety & Panic Antonio Reale, ND, MS

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8

THE BUZZ

10

NUTMEG NUGGETS

38

HAPPENINGS

41

RESOURCES

42

BERNIE

Insulin Resistance as an Adaptation: Helpful or Not? Stacey Munro, ND

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Digging Deeper into Diabetes Andrea Colon, ND and Lauren Young, ND

34

Food-Confused? Choose Minimally Processed for Optimal Wellness J. Erika Dworkin,

Sandra Eagle, LCSW

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How Is Your Brain Performing?

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

Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

How is Acupuncture Like a Snow Globe?

Matt Maneggia, LAc.

37

Monetize Your Mission Robin Clare, MBA

See What's Ahead for Natural Nutmeg in 2019!

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

January/February July/August • Effective Weight Loss Programs • Healthy Eating & Farm to Table Dining • Natural Treatments for Infertility • Natural Skincare • Special Focus: September Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas • Natural Therapies for Kids • Natural Treatments for Alleviating Pain March • How Genetics/Environment October Influence Your Gut • Natural Treatments for Cancer • Clinical Uses for Cannabis/CBD Oil • Ways to Practice Self-Care April November / December • Autoimmune Disease • Treating Type 2 Diabetes • Managing Mental Illness with Diet and Exercise with Nutrition • Inflammation and Brain Health • Special Focus: May/June • Natural Treatment for Natural Gift Giving Guide Menopause and Andropause • Lyme Disease Contact diane@naturalnutmeg.com • Special Focus: to feature your business CT Farms and Farmer’s Markets

in Natural Nutmeg!

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www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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PUBLISHER'SLETTER

C

an you believe we are almost at the end of 2018?

And now as we enter another holiday season, I hope you all can take some time to review, reflect and celebrate all that you accomplished in the past year.

Ask yourself: what were your successes, your challenges, your surprises and most of all what do you have to be thankful for? Did any of your goals and dreams change throughout the year? Were you unable to achieve some and if so, do you want to keep them on the list? Did you create some new goals and dreams this year? Spend some time thinking about these questions and checking in with your feelings and emotions surrounding the answers. You made it through another year and now is the time to celebrate and reward yourself for all of your hard work.

Too often we focus on everything that went wrong during the year. The money we didn’t make, the weight we didn’t lose, the relationship we didn’t find. But in order to truly master the art of manifestation and send a message out to the Universe to bring us what we want, we must first be thankful for what we have. Try and focus on what you did achieve and receive this year and most importantly, reward yourself for it! Rewards are positive reinforcements that make you feel good about your achievements, the price you paid for that achievement, and they reinforce the behavior and attitudes that led to those achievements.

Don’t let your achievements during the past year and the feelings of victory evaporate without some kind of reward and recognition. This is an essential part of the combination for success.

Rewards can be extravagant or they can be simple. Treat yourself to a day at the spa or block a half day out of your schedule to get outdoors and enjoy our beautiful nature areas. Take a weekend getaway with your spouse or a friend or plan a staycation and enjoy all that this state has to offer (great hiking, adventure parks, wine trails and farm-to-table restaurants). Go on a shopping spree and revamp your wardrobe or just clean out your closets, donate what you’re not wearing and create the space for a new wardrobe.

Here are Natural Nutmeg, we’re excited to be celebrating 12 years of publishing in 2019! Don’t miss our additional special issue coming this December with the announcement of all of our 10 BEST awards winners in addition to great content, holistic business spotlights and an Essential Living Resource guide that you can keep and use throughout all of 2019.

We want to wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season and we look forward to helping you achieve all of your goals and dreams in 2019!

In Health and Happiness,

O

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

PUBLISHER Dr. Diane Hayden Diane@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com FAIRFIELD COUNTY MARKETING DIRECTOR Frances Wall Higgins frances@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com SOCIAL MEDIA Erica Morawski & Alexa Morawski ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, ND Adam Breiner, ND Mark Breiner, DDS Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)

Debra Gibson, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N Lauren Young, ND DISTRIBUTION Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg.

FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

Natural Nutmeg Magazine

A big Thank You to our wonderful writers and advertisers who make this free resource possible!

Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw them in

naturalnutmeg.com

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

Natural Nutmeg is a free publication supported solely by our advertisers and distributed throughout Connecticut.

Please call for a location near you. (860) 508-0894 or email to publisher@naturalnutmeg.com. © 2007-18 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.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

So Much More Than A Health Food Store Nutrition Specialists Vitamins • Herbs • Sports Supplements • Allergen-Free Food • Natural Body Care

Trusted Since 1956

Sound & Vibration Tuning Forks BENEFITS: • DNA Healing Frequency • REDUCE Anxiety • Body Tuning • Theta Dream Frequency

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Michael Dworkin, PD, CCN Founder / 1928 - 2017 Registered Pharmacist CT Certified Clinical Nutritionist

Kyle Ledonne Store Manager Culinary Nutritionist

• Chakra Balancing For More Information, call or text 860.604.0408 • tforks33@gmail.com

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Cutting-Edge Nutrition Information • Family Owned Old-Fashioned Feel • Caring Service • Local Products Over 8000 Items • Competitive Discounts • Special Orders

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JOG John of God Brazil Crystal Bed Sessions Available

Shop here. Feel better.

Join Our 2019 Raw Food Detox Retreat Waitlist!

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Sign up here: www.therawfoodinstitute.com Delicious Gourmet Raw Meals Green Juice Medicinal Raw Program Chef-led Meal Prep Lessons Hands-on Training (Nut Mylks + Dehydration)

Yoga, Qigong, Auricular therapy and more Detox Sauna & Soqi Bed Treatments Luxurious Accommodations Coming soon! Distance Learning!

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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THE BUZZ

Know Your Soul Mission & Accomplish It

Look Amazing this Holiday Season!

N

ature's Pure Skin Care in Ridgefield, CT is offering great holiday specials on facials so you can look amazing for all those holiday events.

In November, surround yourself with the intoxicating scents of the Fall season. This facial special includes an organic Pumpkin Enzyme Peel to sweep away all those dead skin cells, and our Pumpkin Specialty Mask which can be customized for sensitive skin. This 60-minute Facial also includes a deep cleansing, steam, light extractions and a decadent massage of face, hands, and feet. You will leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and your skin will take on a beautiful glow. Special $95 (value of $130).

Offer expires 11/30/18 & cannot be combined with other offers.

In December, try our Holiday Facial. This treatment is packed with vitamins, minerals, & super antioxidants which fight free radical damage & promote accelerated cellular rejuvenation. This 60 minute special includes a deep cleansing, enzyme exfoliator, steam, extractions, moderate massage & a Holiday specialty mask. Our custom organic ingredients will leave your skin polished, radiant, & super hydrated. $95 Special (regularly priced at $135). Dermaplaning can be added for an additional $55 for the total anti aging package!

Offer Expires 12/31/18 & cannot be combined with other specials.

Gift Certificates Available. Every $100 spent on Gift Certificates receive a $20 Gift Card.

Submitted by Patricia Hunsberger at Nature's Pure Skin Care in Ridgefield, CT. For more information, call 845-270-9694 or visit www.naturespureskincare.com. See ad on this page.

Do you want the freedom to: • Love how you make a living • Make a difference for your clients ROBIN CLARE, LIFE BUSINESS COACH

• Give yourself a giant raise • Work your own schedule

It’s Time to Monetize Your Soul Mission Sign up for a free 30 minute session at www.clare-ity.com

Visit clare-ity.com and facebook.com/ClareityWithRobin/

109 DANBURY ROAD RIDGEFIELD, CT, 06877 NATURESPURESKINCARE.COM

845-270-9694

SPECIALIZING IN REGENERATIVE SKIN CARE INSIDE THE RIDGEFIELD HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER As seen in the New York Times and the Boston Globe

Award Winning

Organic European Chocolates Handcrafted in Manchester, CT

by Master Chocolatier Diane Blanchette-Wagemann

Gluten Free • Corn Syrup Free • Cholesterol Free • Vegan Pure Ingredients • No Dairy Used Gift a chocolate journey with one of our delicious gift boxes or stackers!

Be sure to try the Perfect Duo if you love luscious caramel and dark chocolate!

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860.643.2552 • dtchocolates.com 8

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

THE BUZZ Experiential Course in the Principles & Techniques of Alchemy

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ur ability to transform energy into something that serves well-being is what I am calling Alchemy. Whatever is happening in my personal landscape is also happening in the collective, and what I alchemize in my personal work is simultaneously my contribution to the consciousness and functioning of our world. Trauma is stored in the right side of the brain.

The right side of the brain does not process in language, meaning talk therapy does not release the trauma. The right side of the brain processes in imagery, emotions, and sensations. Guided Visualizations, Hypnosis, Deep relaxation techniques, Subpersonality work, Breath work, and Somatic Experiencing techniques that restore resiliency to the Central Nervous System (the source of fight/flight/ freeze responses) are some of the techniques that help transform ho-hum stuck energy into a robust engagement with life and in becoming Who-you-are-here-to-be.

For anyone aspiring to live from a deeper experience of internal serenity. For anyone wanting to practice staying grounded in the face of difficulties. For anyone seeking mastery over anxiety, panic, PTSD, restlessness, tension, self-consciousness, anger management, jealousy, performance issues, cravings, addictions and moodiness. For anyone seeking a greater Voice and Relevancy in our world.

Start Date: morning group Fri, Jan 11, 2019, 9:30-11a.m, evening group Mon, Nov. 12, 2018 & again Jan 7, 2019, fee $100.

Insurance eligible, partial scholarship available on request. Call now to arrange required initial individual session. Although there will be plenty of opportunity to share, the sessions will be structured as private experiences, leaving sharing optional. At the end of the series, there will be an opportunity to continue in an ongoing evolutionary/ therapeutic group.

Contact Sandra at 203-550-2111 or Sandra@sandraeagle.com to register/ more info, www.sandraeagle.com. See ad below.

Ground Force Supplements Launched to Help Both Patients and Providers

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reated to assist alternative healthcare providers develop and launch their own nutraceuticals, the formation of a new company, was announced today by its founder, Dr. Sara Frawley, ND. Ground Force Supplements, LLC will help experts in the fields of healthcare, botanical medicine and nutrition produce and market their own supplements.

“As a Naturopathic Doctor, I often spend my time searching for supplements that don’t exist and find it frustrating,” stated Dr. Frawley. “To fill this need, I decided to start Ground Force Supplements to help healers heal more effectively and bring their own ideas and solutions to life for their patients.”

Under the umbrella brand, practitioners will be able to produce their own variations of supplements, while also retaining credit on the product and its packaging. They will also receive a percentage of the sales of their supplements. “After starting my own practice and understanding the time, money and effort that goes into doing so, I realized that by providing a channel in which practitioners could develop new products to help their patients and supplement their income, would be a win-win situation,” said Dr. Frawley.

Ground Force Supplements will serve as the catalyst for the launch of new nutraceutical products by established and newto-the-field naturopaths, herbalists, chiropractors, midwives, and nutritionists. The company has several wholesale producers of nutraceuticals and vitamins lined up to assist in the production and packaging of the new products. It is currently raising capital funds to help facilitate production of its first new supplements.

For more information on the launch of Ground Force Supplements, and the benefits of contributing to the development and production of new nutraceutical products for both healthcare professionals and patients, visit: groundforcesupplements.com

Breaking Through To The Other Side Engaging the Principles and Techniques of Alchemy: The New Evolution of Psychotherapy A Profound Intensive by Sandra Eagle, LCSW

6 Mondays 7:30-9pm Starts Nov 12, 2018 & Jan 7, 2019 6 Fridays 9:30am Starts Jan 11, 2019 INSURANCE ELIGIBLE

To register call 203.550.2111 or Sandra@sandraeagle.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Nutmeg “Nuggets” The Dark Side of Sugar

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Consciousness Creates

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ur thinking may be the most significant contributing factor to our overall health. It controls our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Consider this simple statement: “Consciousness Creates.” One noun, one verb…that’s all.

Our consciousness determines the state of our being on all levels.

The concept is so simple that most people cannot believe it. The human ego can be resistant to something which seems so effortless, mistakenly believing that anything worthwhile requires great effort. In addition, humans traded industrial and technological skills for the innate gifts we previously relied upon. Gifts like intuition, and conscious creation now lie dormant. It requires only a shift in our thinking to reclaim them. If you become aware that a negative thought is making its way into your consciousness, simply acknowledge that thought, offer your gratitude for free will, and replace that thought with a more positive one.

Hypnosis, shamanic journeying, active dreaming, meditation, creative visualization and other practices have proven effective in reshaping thought patterns and replacing limiting thoughts with limitless ones. Everything which occurs on the physical plane began on the energy plane as a thought. The power of thought then moved and morphed until it took form. If the thought began as a fear or negative thought, it will likely manifest in illness or imbalance of some sort. If it began as a positive, loving thought, it will manifest in a productive, healthy way.

If we have the power to create or manifest whatever we energize with our thoughts, why then, wouldn’t we create the outcome we really desire? We would…if we believed that we could. If we became consciously aware of how powerful we are, we would understand that we create our physical health. We create our emotional health. We create our spiritual health. Believe it. Create it.

Enjoy it!

Joyce St. Germaine, M. Ed., CHt., RYT-200 is a Certified Shamanic and Shapeshifting Practitioner, Spiritual Counselor, Certified Hypnotherapist and Past Life Regressionist, Registered Yoga Teacher, Mentor and Artist. She hosts and produces “The Sacred Journey” TV show and officiates naturebased weddings and ceremonies as a CT Justice of the Peace.

Owner and director of The Sacred Journey Center for Spiritual Studies in Burlington, CT, Joyce offers private sessions, workshops and study groups for adults and children. She can be reached at 860.675.9706, jsgermaine@aol.com, or www.thesacredjourney. biz. Ask about upcoming Shamanism, Yoga, or Intuitive Development Retreats and Cruises. See ad on page 23.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

ith the holiday season upon us, oh how easy it is to reach for that sugary dessert or that enticing holiday drink. Before you dive in and fully indulge, here are a few facts to know about how these delights are literally stealing your fountain of youth. Believe it or not consumption of sugar, whether it is fructose from fruit or good old fashioned plain white sugar, it significantly contributes to aging skin. You ask how? The technical term for this process is called skin glycation. To break it down simply, glycation is a natural occurrence in which the sugar you consume attaches to proteins forming harmful new molecules called advanced glycation end products, AGEs for short. The proteins in skin most prone to glycation are collagen and elastin, the same ones that give us beautiful, smooth, springy, plump skin! As it attaches to these proteins it causes them to become stiff and malformed. This environment also causes inflammation within the skin. This in turn prevents collagen and elastin proteins from functioning properly and damages the intracellular matrix that forms the structure of the skin. If this occurs consistently the effects that show up on the skin are more wrinkles, loss of tone, sagging of skin, dehydration, loss of radiance, pigmentation issues, and impairs the barrier function of the skin. Just a quick, brief insight to the dark side of sugar. So, next time you are craving those tasty sugary treats, close your eyes and picture those pesky little creatures stealing your good looks! Our main focus here at Nature's Pure Skin Care is regenerative treatments. In short, all of our services are customized to each individual and help reverse damage caused at a cellular level. Next time you overindulge let us get you back on track and guide you to a healthier skin!

Submitted by Patricia Hunsberger at Nature's Pure Skin Care in Ridgefield, CT. For more information, call 845-270-9694 or visit www.naturespureskincare.com See ad on page 8.

Wolfspirit Acupuncture Ancient Healing with a Modern Approach

Acupuncture can effectively:

JO-ANN CONNELLY, M.S., RN, LAC

Monthly Wellness treatment to improve immunity and restore balance available

• Relieve pain without the harmful side effects of medication.

• Assist with restoring balance and improved fertility.

• Relieve digestive disorders.

• Help manage anxiety & depression.

• Help quit smoking.

Come see our Acupuncture Community Clinic

Jo-Ann is certified in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Call 860.430.9653

78 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury, Connecticut

www.wolfspiritacupuncture.com

Nutmeg “Nuggets” Eclectic Naturopathic Medical Center, LLC

Kathleen Riley, ND

Top 10 Reasons to Try Yoga: 1. STRESS RELIEF:

5. INCREASED STRENGTH:

Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body. By encouraging relaxation, yoga helps to lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Related benefits include lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion and boosting the immune system as well as easing symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, asthma and insomnia.

Yoga asanas (postures) use every muscle in the body, helping to increase strength literally from head to toe. And, while these postures strengthen the body, they also provide an additional benefit of helping to relieve muscular tension.

2. PAIN RELIEF: Yoga can ease pain. Studies have demonstrated that practicing yoga asanas (postures), meditation or a combination of the two, reduced pain for people with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, auto-immune diseases and hypertension as well as arthritis, back and neck pain, and other chronic conditions. Some practitioners report that even emotional pain can be eased through the practice of yoga.

3. BETTER BREATHING: Yoga teaches people to take slower, deeper breaths. This helps to improve lung function, trigger the body's relaxation response and increase the amount of oxygen available to the body.

4. FLEXIBILITY: Yoga helps to improve flexibility and mobility, increasing range of movement and reducing aches and pains. Many people can't touch their toes during their first yoga class. Gradually they begin to use the correct muscles. Over time, the ligaments, tendons and muscles lengthen, increasing elasticity, making more poses possible. Yoga also helps to improve body alignment resulting in better posture and helping to relieve back, neck, joint and muscle problems.

6. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: Yoga (even less vigorous styles) can aid weight control efforts by reducing the cortisol levels as well as by burning excess calories and reducing stress. Yoga also encourages healthy eating habits and provides a heightened sense of well being and self esteem.

Susan Yarett, ND

• Providing gentle, effective treatments for acute and chronic illnesses for infants through geriatrics.

• Nutritional and lifestyle counseling • Botanical medicine • Bowenwork and Frequency Specific Microcurrent treatments

7. IMPROVED CIRCULATION: Yoga helps to improve circulation and, as a result of various poses, more efficiently moves oxygenated blood to the body's cells.

8. CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONING: Even gentle yoga practice can provide cardiovascular benefits by lowering resting heart rate, increasing endurance and improving oxygen uptake during exercise.

9. FOCUS ON THE PRESENT: Yoga helps us to focus on the present, to become more aware and to help create mind body health. It opens the way to improved concentration, coordination, reaction time and memory.

10. INNER PEACE: The meditative aspects of yoga help many to reach a deeper, more spiritual and more satisfying place in their lives. Many who begin to practice for other reasons have reported this to be a key reason that yoga has become an essential part of their daily lives.

40 Christian Lane Newington, CT 06111 860-665-1254 www.kathleenrileynd.com

Submitted by Paula Scopino, E-RYT 500 hour, C-IAYT, CT Licensed LMT, YACEP. Source: Yoga Alliance. Paula is the Owner/ Director of Sacred Rivers Yoga and Allied Health Therapies. Paula is also the owner and director of ‘Sacred Rivers Yoga for Every Body’, a Yoga Alliance 200 and 500 Hour Registered School, as well as a member of IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapy.) Paula was recently awarded her C-IAYT (Certified Yoga Therapist) by IAYT. Sacred Rivers Yoga is also a member school with IAYT. www.sacredriversyoga. com 860.657.9545 28 Main Street East Hartford, CT 06118 ( on the Glastonbury line.) See ad on page 38. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Nutmeg “Nuggets” brain controls) became inactive, quiescent, dormant. Being asleep and being in a coma share some outward appearances, but are two very different physiological states. With the advent of advancing technologies in biomedical research, "sleep" has been shown to be a very active process or rather many very specific processes in the reparative, healing, restorative, replenishing, growing and developing of most physiological and anatomic structures of the brain and body at all ages. And research shows these specific functions occur during well-defined stages of sleep within very precise areas of the brain.

5 Sign You Have Sleep Disordered Breathing

I

f you have experienced any of the 5 signs below, you may have what physicians, dentists, and other health care professionals describe as being derived from "sleep disordered breathing". #1: You have been told your snoring could wake up the dead. #2: You feel drowsy during the day and need a power nap to make it through the day. #3: You need a large cup of coffee to start your day. #4: Your trousers seem to be shrinking and food cravings are increasing. #5: You wake up feeling tired and unrefreshed, even though you were in bed all night.

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is not a disease, but a constellation of several conditions including Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) that can have potentially life threatening consequences including increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and certain cancers. And SDB is only one of many recognized sleep disorders including insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep walking, and narcolepsy to name a few.

Up until rather recently (less than 100 years), "sleep" was considered a passive process, that is, it was considered that when someone went to sleep, the brain (and all the functions that the

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

Snoring is a funny sounding word about which many jokes have been made, but it is really a noisy reminder that we are not breathing correctly. But snoring is only one symptom of a much more ominous and potentially life threatening condition: an impaired or obstructed airway. The anatomy of the breathing pathways in an adult or child is broken into two major parts. An obstruction can occur at any or all parts of the breathing pathway, but Obstructive Sleep Apnea usually means something is blocking the soft and somewhat flexible tissues in the upper airway.

Assessment of sleep disordered breathing can be done by a trained physician or dentist, with the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea being made after appropriate objective testing and diagnostic procedures. Appropriate life-saving therapy can consist of the use of CPAP, oral appliance therapy, surgery, myofascial, or behavioral therapy alone or in combinations depending on the needs and compliance of the individual. Good quality and quantity of sleep are essential for optimal health and performance. So sleep well, breathe well, live well.

Dr Kevin Norige is a general dentist who has been serving the greater South Windsor area for more than 37 years. Influenced throughout his career by the attribution of his dental school dean referring to dentists as "physicians of the oral cavity", Dr Norige has always treated and managed oral disease as the local manifestation of systemic disease. Complete health through dentistry is the operational paradigm of Dr Norige's South Windsor Smiles dental practice with the oral cavity being the window to the health of the entire body. Screening for cavities, gum disease, jaw problems, and oral cancer is the norm not the exception. But also screening for high blood pressure and sleep disordered breathing puts his practice on the front lines of health care not just dental health care.

See ads on pages 3 and 23.

Barre at the Brewery Event in Downtown Hartford

By Alexa Morawski and Erica Morawski

B

arre class followed by an ice-cold beer is enough to make any weekend great, but this past weekend got even better when our Barre class was held inside the brewery. Last weekend Hartford Sweat hosted a Barre class in “Hartford’s Living Room,” aka Hog River Brewing Company. We got the chance to chat with Lauren Skau Taylor, our Barre instructor for the afternoon, to discover how this fun fitness event came into fruition.

AM: Could you tell me a little bit about yourself and Hartford Sweat?

LST: I have a background of 12 years of ballet and dance as a child. Fitness, dance and movement have always been a part of my life. In 2013 after completing a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training, I took a few Barre classes, and fell in love with how the classes complimented my Yoga practice. I became certified in 2014 through Balanced Body Barre and then in 2017 through Exhale Barre Training. I currently teach Hot Power Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, and Barre.

I am a Speech/Language Pathologist by day, and a Yoga and Barre Instructor before and after school hours. My day job includes working with nonverbal students who have

significant needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. My job, which I love, comes with a lot of responsibility and definitely some stress. Yoga and Barre are my fitness and therapy.

Hartford Sweat is a spectacular, friendly Yoga and Fitness Studio right in downtown Hartford. The owners, Rakyel and Tory Brogan, focus on a supportive community for teachers and yogis. The studio does a little over 40 classes a week, centered around the practice of yoga like Hot yoga and Bikram, Power, Yin, and Restorative as well as more up-beat with toning and cardio including Barre, Yoga Sculpt, and Zumba.

AM: How did you get involved in teaching this event?

LST: I started teaching Barre at Hartford Sweat in 2016, the same year that Hog River Brewing Company opened. I saw an article about the brewery, made a visit there, and really enjoyed the vibe and expansiveness of the place, not to mention the quality of their beverages. Many similar places (breweries and wineries) were doing Yoga classes at the time, but I didn’t see any doing Barre in this area. So I talked to Ben & Joy Braddock, the owners [of Hog River Brewing Co.], and they were very open to the idea.

AM: What made you both decide to blend Barre and beer?

LST: Both Hartford Sweat and Hog River Brewing Co. are small businesses dedicated to helping bring people to the city and exposing them to all the unique offerings the city has to offer. This like-minded thinking made it an easy fit when I brought the idea to the table.

It wasn’t really that I thought Barre and beer belong together, it was more about how to get people together to get a really great workout in a fun and unique atmosphere; especially people who may not otherwise try a Barre workout thinking that they weren’t coordinated enough, or fit enough.

In the Brewery, it’s about the workout, but also about having fun, laughing with friends, making new ones and relaxing afterwards with a beer, wine, cider, kombucha or coldbrewed coffee or tea. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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AM: Can you describe what patrons can expect when they walk through the doors?

LST: It's nothing like your local yoga studio! Part of what makes the class so fun is that the brewery offers a really unique space for the class. We incorporate the space as much as we can into the workout, for example, using beer rails to help support movements. It creates a fun and engaging atmosphere.

AM: How would you describe the challenge level of this class?

LST: The Barre at the Brewery class is definitely challenging. Like a typical Barre class, it includes a warm-up, upper bodywork, lower bodywork—thighs and glutes, core exercises, and stretching. You’ll feel the workout when you are done, but you’ll be having so much fun you won’t even realize it. Mostly, I hope to spread my enthusiasm and help students focus on connecting with their bodies because we lose that so much in our busy, day-to-day lives.

AM: Do participants in the event linger/ socialize in the brewery following the class?

LST: Absolutely. Admission to the class includes a complimentary beverage

of choice - craft beer, hard cider, wine, kombucha or cold-brewed tea or coffee, so everyone sticks around for that. A nice benefit to the class is that attendees get the brewery to themselves after class until the taproom opens to the public at 2pm. Some invite their friends after class and the brewery serves them, so it's like having a little pre-opening get together. There are food trucks on the weekend too!

AM: What makes this event special?

LST: Bringing Barre into a space outside the typical studio setting gives us a chance to expose it to a whole new audience. We love that it becomes more of an event for the attendees because of the added social hangout time after class. There's just something fun about kicking your legs up on a beer rail! It brings a lot of fun to the workout, and the setting has such a feel of family and friendships. You’ve just participated in a group workout class, made it through a challenging workout with some fun and laughs, and then it’s time to relax.

AM: Will you be hosting other events like this in the future?

AM: What do you love most about the capital city?

LST: Before teaching at Hartford Sweat, I had not spent a lot of time in Hartford. I was more or less a typical “suburbanite,” going in for dinner or happy hour, a show or concert, and that was about it. Since I started teaching at Hartford Sweat 2 1/2 years ago, I have spent much more time in the city and have really grown to learn and enjoy all it has to offer.

Article submitted by Alexa and Erica Morawski. Lauren Skau Taylor is a fitness instructor at Hartford Sweat, owned by Rakyel and Tory Brogan. Hartford Sweat is the winner in the Best Yoga category of CTNOW Best Of Hartford Reader’s Poll 2018.

Hog River Brewing Co, owned by Ben & Joy Braddock, is a Natural Nutmeg 10BEST brewery, and was voted Best of Hartford Magazine as Best Local Craft Brewery 2017 and 2018 and Best Brewery to Visit in Best of Connecticut Magazine 2017.

To check out footage of this event, visit the @naturalnutmegmagazine Instagram page events highlight.

LST: Yes, indeed! We have another “Barre at the Brewery” planned for Sunday, November 4th! People can find it on the Hartford Sweat website, or call the studio.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

Home Care vs.

Home Health Care: What’s the Difference?

By Neil Anand ou’ve probably heard the saying: “Home is where the heart is.” Between the familiarity, the memories and the sense of independence, it’s not a surprise 9 out of 10 older adults want to live in their homes for as long as possible.

However, to age in place, seniors often need assistance. Help may come in many forms from family and friends to professional services. Here are some of the types of in-home care older adults may need to remain in their homes.

Y

Home Care There are two main types of private (or non-medical) home care: companion and personal. Companion care provides assistance with independent activities of daily living such as: transportation to doctor appointments and errands, medication reminders, grocery shopping and meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry, and companionship. In addition, this can include meaningful activities based on the person’s interests, hobbies, skills, and abilities, such as playing cards, discussing current events and other favorite pastimes.

Personal care encompasses companion care as well as physical care such as: transfers and ambulation (e.g., assistance getting into and out of bed, transferring from wheelchair to toilet), bathing, hygiene and dressing assistance, incontinence care, and feeding assistance.

Home Health Care Home health (or skilled nursing) care focuses on medical services performed in the home, such as: wound care, injections, catheter care, IV infusions, physical therapy, and monitoring serious and/or chronic illnesses. Home health care can provide care for a short-term basis such as after a surgical procedure. It can help people learn how to manage chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure or COPD. It is common for people to use both home care and home health care at the same time. In fact,

the services often complement one another (e.g., a person may need help controlling their diabetes and supplemental in-home services for meal preparation, bathing or companionship care).

What do Medicare and Medicaid Cover?

Currently, Medicare covers short-term home health care prescribed by a physician. These services include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Assistance with bathing, feeding and other personal care may also be provided while a person is receiving home health care. Medicare does not pay for long-term care nor traditional home care services. However, it looks like this might be changing, as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is redefining what Medicare Advantage (MA) plans can offer as supplemental benefits to enrollees and, for the first time, this includes several services related to non-medical home care.

Many in the industry see this as the first sign that home care is finally being recognized as a legitimate component of the continuum of care. Although this policy shift isn’t yet broad-reaching (only a third of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in an MA plan), this move has made waves in the home care industry. Owners of home care companies like ComForCare Home

Care are optimistic. The government is finally realizing what we have known for years. Home is not only where most older adults want to be, but in-home support services can improve quality of life and health outcomes as well as reduce hospital readmissions. Many see this as the beginning of what happened with hospice care.

The much-needed service had been around years before the government began funding the care in the 1970s and 1980s. Hospice is now covered under Medicare Part A. In a perfect world, coverage for nonmedical in-home care would be broad-reaching, nondiscretionary and not dependent on interpretation and / or consumer health plan opt-in.

The reality is change is necessary and overdue. The 65 and older population is not only the largest but the fastest growing age group in the U.S. The “silver tsunami” isn’t coming, it’s here, and we need policies to support this growing population. We need to find ways to help people in their final years live their best life possible, which is the mission of ComForCare Home Care.

To learn more about home care, visit ComForCare.com/FairfieldCT and call (203) 612-8966 for a no obligation consultation.

ComForCare Home Care is a premier provider of in-home care with nearly 200 independently owned and operated locations in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., helping older adults live independently in their own homes and continue to do all the things they love. The home care company is committed to helping people live their best life possible and also offers special programs for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. ComForCare Home Care, 1700 Post Road, Suite E5, Fairfield, CT. (203) 612-8966 ComForCare. com/FairfieldCT, fairfieldct@comforcare. com. Portions of this article were originally featured on blog.comforcare.com See ad on page 5. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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10 Step Ayurvedic Approach to Body Weight Management

By Jyoti Chhabra, PhD

A

re you ready for a holistic approach to weight management that takes into account your unique constitution, imbalances, habits, mindset, and lifestyle? Ayurvedic texts provide us with an approach that takes into account the whole person. It works on overall health and well-being; physically, mentally, and emotionally. What is more rewarding is that Ayurvedic weight management has long lasting effects on your health and well-being. Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine developed in India, is the sister science of yoga. The primary goals of Ayurveda are to promote health and prevent and manage disease while promoting longevity. Here are 10 tips that can kick start the process of healthy weight management: 1. Create a daily schedule and stick to it. Let one of the aims be to wake up before 6AM. Per Ayurveda, 6 to 10 AM is a time when one is more sluggish. If you wake up after 6, you might have a harder time getting out of bed and feeling energetic.

2. Drink a large glass of warm water first thing in the morning. Drinking warm water kick-starts the digestive system and cleanses all channels in the body.

3. Commit to 15 minutes of quiet time in the morning for deep breathing or meditation or yoga for simply grounding and starting your day with awareness, peace, and equilibrium.

4. Exercise anywhere from 30-60 mins a day and choose something that you enjoy and are likely to stick with. Exercise counteracts sluggishness, warms the body, and prepares both body and mind for the day’s challenges.

5. Eat three meals a day with no snacking (unless one has a health condition that requires one to eat more frequently.)

Develop a consistent meal time and follow it to create a rhythm in your life. Make lunch your largest meal of the day. Let dinner be the smallest meal of the day. Commit to eating freshly cooked meals. Do not eat highly processed, or frozen meals or foods from previous days.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

6. Align your diet with fresh produce that nature is offering in your region. In summer, enjoy the local bounty of summer; i.e. sweet fruits and fresh vegetables. In the fall and winter, the nature offers root vegetables, stored nuts, seeds and fruits, heavier meats and cheeses, and stored grains. In spring, nature offers berries, green leafy vegetables, and sprouts. Eating locally grown, organic and seasonal foods feel less heavier on our gastrointestinal system and are easier for our bodies to digest.

Locally grown seasonal produce also offers us what our bodies need most in that time. For example, summer’s sweet produce imparts a cooling effect on our bodies, fall and winter’s root vegetables, seeds and nuts are more heating and impart the much needed warmth to our bodies.

7. Move a little after each meal. Going for short walks after each meal stimulates digestion.

8. Go to bed before 10:00 pm. Obtaining a proper sleep gives the body time to detoxify and reset for the next day. Modern researchers have identified insufficient sleep as a contributing factor in weight gain. Not only is sufficient rest important, but sleeping in harmony with the sun’s rhythms is equally vital. According to Ayurveda, the time period that is most supportive of restful sleep is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

9. Eat balanced meals. Balanced in terms of macronutrients and micronutrients and also balanced in terms of tastes. Include a little of all tastes in your meals: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent. Per Ayurvedic texts, certain food combinations are toxic for our bodies. Some of them are milk with eggs, and milk with yogurt. Avoid these combinations of foods.

10. Sip hot water or tea throughout the day. Hot water is a health tonic in the Ayurvedic tradition. Per Ayurveda, toxins accumulate within the body from external sources (e.g., pollution, pesticides, poor food choices) and internal sources (e.g., stress, anxiety, anger, grief). In Ayurveda, anything that is not digested

properly by our body is referred to as a toxin or ama. Ama is sticky by nature but can be dissolved with hot water. The amount of water that you drink is not as important as how often you sip. Try to have a few sips of warm water every hour.

It is important to remember that an Ayurvedic diet is about finding moderation in our choices to restore balance to our bodies. As you follow the above principles and your health improves, cravings for detrimental foods will decline. You may not feel the need of constantly restricting what you eat because your innate cravings evolve to promote health over a period of time. This whole process needs time and patience.

Finally, this is not about all or none of the steps, rather each step along the way will support your overall progress.

Integrative nutrition health coach Chinese medicine practitioner Licensed acupuncturist 203/698-0793 - 203/253-9885 c. health@donnabunte.com www.donnabunte.com

Finding Answers

Submitted by Jyoti Chhabra, PhD, Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, RYT 200, Ayurvedic Practitioner student at Kerala Ayurveda Academy, Milpitas, CA. For a personalized consultation, feel free to reach out to either Jyoti Chhabra, PhD, Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, RYT 200, www.Ojascare.com, or Danielle Dampf, LMT & Owner, Soma Spa in Farmington. www.omsoma.com See ad on page 5.

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Reconnect with Nature, Reconnect with Yourself: A Whole-Health Journey in Africa

By Alexa Morawski and Donna Bunte, LAc.

A

t times in life we lose track of the expansiveness of the universe. We sit in our cubicles hard at work, and we begin to feel that this is life: these four walls, and the immediate work in front of us.

But Donna Bunte of Donna Bunte Whole Health, located in Greenwich, Connecticut, wants those of us who feel this way to recognize that we are all apart of this vast universe that extends far beyond these four walls. She believes in order to feel whole again, one must reconnect with nature, and learn to be still.

Having traveled to Africa previously on a spiritual adventure herself, Donna found the ancient beauty of the land to be an ever-present reminder of her connectedness to the universe. March 2-9, 2019, she plans to travel back to Africa for an 8-day spiritual retreat, and she welcomes you to join her.

With 25 years experience as a Chinese medical practitioner, acupuncturist, herbalist, health coach, and Qi Gong teacher and healer, Donna looks at all aspects of a client’s health. Her whole-health approach looks from a physical, mental, and emotional perspective in order to find the best treatment plan for each individual.

As Tour Director of her new African Safari Wellness Program, Donna will lead the tour group in guided mediation with acupuncture, breathing exercises, Qi Gong exercises, and light yoga stretching, as well as private sessions. The goal is to calm the nervous system, reconnect with oneself, and embrace nature and the beauty of the universe.

In order to become fully immersed in nature, Donna has teamed up with Martin Meyer of Martin Meyer Safaris, who will be providing safari tours in which guests will get a chance to see the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and Cape buf18

falo, as well as the stunning landscapes of South Africa and Botswana. During the stay, trip participants will lodge at two camps: Kings Camp, in South Africa, and Koro River Camp in Botswana.

Kings Camp is luxury lodging located on the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The camp faces an open savanna plain and a watering hole and is visited often by a variety of local wildlife who come to drink and lounge. Each room comes equipped with air-conditioning, a Victorian ball-and-claw bath, in and outdoor double showers, a fully stocked mini bar, and a private verandah.

Koro River Camp is a boutique camp located in the remote wilderness of Botswana’s Central Tuli Block. Specifically, Koro River Camp is set on the banks of the Limpopo River, and has 7 en-suite boutique tents that boast stunning views of the wildlife, according to their website. Each tent comes with a private bathroom as well as an outdoor shower and plunge pool within a raised platform deck overlooking the Limpopo River.

Both camps are far removed from local villages and highlight the simplistic beauty of the Earth. They aim to help guests feel connected to the ancient world and recognize the importance of saving these sacred pieces of land, as well as the animals who call it home.

Each day of the trip will be about re-centering, and re-connecting with oneself and the Earth, slowing down, and being

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

present. Trip participants will engage in holistic wellness sessions including guided mediation and Qi Gong exercises every morning and evening. Most evenings, meditation will be held at sunset under a baobab tree, looking out onto the African horizon and the river. Guests will indulge in healthy and leisurely local fares, with dinner served under the stars. Vegetarians or guests with special diets will be accommodated and afternoon tea will be served. Trip participants will have daily leisure time to spend as they would like. Possibilities can include relaxing spa treatments and excursions to villages or ancient sites. Additionally each day, guests will participate in game drives and walking safari tours led by expert guide, Martin Meyer.

Donna wants those interested in the African Safari Wellness Program to know that these parts of Africa feel like the way Earth used to be: ancient; not commercial; simple; spiritual.

Submitted by Alexa Morawski. If you are looking to feel centered and connected to the universe, and would like to know more about the African Safari Wellness program March 2-9, 2019, contact Donna Bunte at health@donnabute.com to learn more.

For more information about Donna Bunte visit her website: http://www.donnabunte.com/ and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ donnabuntewholehealth/ See ad on page 17.

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Stop Those Attack Thoughts with Somatic Experiencing

By Sandra Eagle, LCSW

W

e think of ourselves as having one brain but functionally we have three. The front brain or frontal cortex is the brain of clear thinking, analysis, inspired thought.

The mid brain or limbic brain processes emotions. The back brain, called the mammalian brain because it is the brain all mammals have, is an amazing emergency response system that releases high levels of 18 different hormones when we perceive we are in danger. It is the brain that would allow the mom to be able to pick up the Volkswagen because the baby is stuck under it. Our life and death survival is the domain of this brain.

However, once the danger is over those levels have to come down, or they attack our immunology, our respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems, the fascia around the muscles and so much more. Also to the extent our back brain is activated we cannot access the front brain, so children witnessing violence or going to bed hungry often show up in school as 'low IQ' but it has nothing to do with IQ. It is that they cannot focus or concentrate or take in information, the functions of the front brain.

For humans, our back brain is activated when we are attacked but also by our own ‘attack thoughts’, such as ‘I’ll never make enough money, I’ll probably lose my job, fail that test, trust people and they’ll stab you in the back’ etc. So even when the danger is over, or when the threat is more emotional or psychological than life threatening, our holding attack thoughts keeps the levels from releasing and they remain perpetually high. These high levels are a dysregulation of our Central Nervous System.

To tap the tremendous healing opportunities offered by the information stored in the body, I use Somatic Experiencing, a field of psychological intervention developed by Peter Levine Ph.D. Somatic Experiencing sees most of our symptoms as reflections of a dysregulated central nervous system (CNS), and indeed healing happens when CNS regulates, and when resiliency is restored to the CNS.

do for themselves. In this way, we learn to experience the body as the partner in thriving that it is to us. Instead of staying away from uncomfortable sensations, we learn to go toward them in a way that releases injuries to trust and to self-esteem, which expands our capacity for living a spirited life.

I feel that my incorporation of metaphysical principles, the best of what I've garnered from the psychotherapeutic schools, and this awareness of how to work with the CNS, to move out of fight/flight/ freeze responses embedded in our approach to life and the way we feel about ourselves, defines a mind-body-spirit approach. I also see each of us as existing in the context of community. Whatever issues we have: betrayal, despair, resentment, negative relationships, depression, isolation, are issues in the collective. ‘When I heal, I do not heal alone’ is a metaphysical principal. Through various meditational techniques, I help the client see that when they reach the level of consciousness where they’ve mastered an issue, that is their contribution to the consciousness of the collective. Thus, the work addresses mind-body-spirit and also our belonging in relationship to the community, our relevant life.

Sandra Eagle, LCSW, Transformational Psychotherapy is a psychotherapist with a mind-body-spirit approach. She has over 40 years experience with techniques from both the psychotherapeutic and consciousness traditions to promote breakthrough and well-being in clients. She uses CBT, DBT, Hoffman process, psychosynthesis, psychoanalysis, family systems, addictions work, subpersonality work, and also helps clients tap into information under the radar of usual consciousness through hypnosis, past-life regression, breathwork journeying, and other deep meditative states. www.

Sandraeagle.com, Sandra@sandraeagle.com, 203-550-2111.

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Since physical sensations in the body are reflections of the dysregulation, they are also the entry points to working to heal the dysregulation. There are ways to work with the actual physical sensations in the body, to trigger regulation of the CNS, and that is what the interventions of Somatic Experiencing are about. I use the techniques in the work with my clients, and they are techniques that the client can learn and www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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How is Acupuncture Like a Snow Globe?

By Matt Maneggia, LAc.

M

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etaphors can be extremely helpful in understanding complex issues. After all, life is like a box of chocolates, right? Well, acupuncture, which has been historically understood in the West as a form of energy medicine with Qi flowing through invisible pathways on the body, is actually a very complex, highly sophisticated medical system. (The “energy” model of acupuncture is actually based on a mistranslation of the Chinese character for Qi, but that’s another story for another day).

That said, I don’t know anyone who can learn a new language and hotwire their ingrained brain circuitry over the course of a few hours, so for new patients just starting out, I find metaphors to be extremely useful in helping them grasp the gist of what’s happening with their treatment.

To learn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one needs to rewire one’s linear Western way of thinking, blazing new neural pathways to see the body as a whole.

An issue with one particular visceral organ in TCM is not just confined to that organ, it can (and if left untreated, it will) affect other organs and systems at other points along the circuit of interconnected functions and processes that make up the human body. This makes TCM the definition of holistic medicine, and to really start to think of the body this way and internalize the principals of TCM feels a heck of a lot like learning a completely new language.

You know those little clear glass (or ghastly plastic) balls filled with clear liquid and a little wintery scene inside like Santa’s workshop or a gingerbread house? When you shake it hundreds of little white flecks of some unknown substance float around and make it look like it’s snowing - often to the point at which you can’t even really make out the pastoral little scene inside.

And after the course of a few minutes, that chaotic, blizzardy environment clears out, the snow flakes settle down nice and even, and you get a clear, crisp picture of the original heart-warming scene. Just look at how cozy that little fireplace looks with the stockings hung by the chimney with care!

Perhaps it’s because I’m that dorky guy who over-decorates his house for Christmas, but my favorite metaphor for describing these initial stages of a course of acupuncture treatment is that of a snow globe.

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

So how in the name of Kris Kringle do these little transparent balls of joy have any resemblance to acupuncture? I love this metaphor so much because starting a course of acupuncture treatment very much shakes up the internal environment of the body in the same way we shake up a snow globe. Acupuncture kicks off a cascade of physiological and biochemical processes in the body - endocrine glands pump out hormones, immune cells respond to the site of the acupuncture, the brain releases endorphins and a host of neurotransmitters, blood vessels dilate, the central nervous system lights up delivering information throughout the body that there’s something unusual going on.

This essentially “shakes up” the body’s internal environment. Over the course of the first handful of acupuncture treatments, the original symptom may come and go.

It may intensify at first for a day or two, it may change location for a time, other odd and seemingly unrelated symptoms might pop up for a spell. Just as in a snow globe, where there’s no way to predict the exact trajectory of every one of the countless snowflakes, there’s no precise way to de-

termine how the incomprehensibly complex processes of each unique individual’s physiology will respond to acupuncture Therefore, in both a shaken snow globe and a newly-acupunctured patient (I think I just made acupuncture a verb there) we’re trusting that the natural laws of the universe will prevail in the end. With a snow globe, we trust the law of gravity to sort out the chaos of the roiled bauble and to give us a clear, even picture in a few minutes. With acupuncture, we trust the body’s own inherent ability to default to health and homeostasis over the course of the initial series of treatments.

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This is not to say that acupuncture has achieved its end result when we have arrived at this clearer picture. However, once the chaos of the snow globe effect has settled down, the patient is almost always feeling much better in terms of the peripheral symptoms that are kicked off by the initial treatments, and we have a much clearer picture of what the main issue is that we need to work on - the root cause. And with the target in plain view, it’s a much easier job for the acupuncturist to zero in on it and give it everything we’ve got.

Matt Maneggia is a licensed acupuncturist and the founder of Connecticut Family Acupuncture. As a board member of the CT Society of Acupuncturists, Matt advocates for increased access to acupuncture through insurance coverage and integration of acupuncture into the current healthcare system.

He can be contacted through his website at www.CTfamilyacupuncture.com or via the main office at 860-503-3676.

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21

How Is Your Brain Performing?

By Adam Breiner, ND

I

f you are an athlete and want to make sure that your brain is performing at its best, or you play a sport that has a possibility of concussive injuries, baseline testing at the beginning of the season is a must. At the NeuroEdge Brain Performance Center, we strive to bring athletes, students, executives, and anyone who wants to improve their overall cognitive well-being, the very latest in brain performance enhancement techniques.

Triple Baseline Testing The first step in improving brain performance is to determine how the brain is currently performing with triple baseline testing.

This baseline testing is essential to use as a comparison if an injury occurs during the season, baseline testing helps to guide treatment and provides information about when it is best to return to play.

As awareness of concussions has grown in the past several years, there are more and more teams and schools that require concussion education, and some form of baseline testing. Over the many years that I have been treating traumatic brain injuries, I have found that functional brain imaging, using EEG is one of the most sensitive tools to assess brain function. I encourage all athletes to have a baseline EEG. To obtain even more information on how the brain is performing we test cognitive performance using CNS Vital signs, a computerized cognitive performance test, as well as measuring vestibular function with computerized balance testing. Using this Triple Baseline Testing approach, we have the most comprehensive and sensitive means of assessing one's brain function and performance.

EEG Baseline EEG is an acronym for ElectroEncephalogram and it is the measurement of the brain's electrical activity. It is indeed a functional assessment of how the brain's neuronal networks communicate.

Traditionally, EEGs measure just the outer surface of the brain's activity, but with newer advances, called sLORETA, we can image deeper brain structures electrical activity as well. The cutting-edge sLoreta technology has capabilities to measure, in real-time, electrical function deep within the brain’s cortex. By using this advanced EEG sLoreta technology, we can evaluate whether an injury has occurred, as well as whether brain wave patterns associated with metabolic imbalances and overall brain dysregulation are present.

The first thing we do is place electrodes on the patient's scalp using a unique cap. A conductive gel is injected into the cap electrodes so that the subtle electrical signals from the brain can be picked up. These signals are amplified and processed by the computer where we see the brain waves projected on the screen. Next,

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we remove all the artifacts created by muscle and eye movements, so we get a clean EEG. With a sLoreta image, we can see how the brain behaves in realtime, and compare it to a normative database. We can even utilize a patient's past brain wave baseline as a comparison after an injury to see how far their brain has deviated from their pre-injured brain. This sLoreta imaging is a great way to tell if one's brain has healed.

In order to better understand how various brain-wave states relate to the statistical norms in the population, a qEEG, or Quantitative EEG is performed. Using the artifact-free raw EEG data, special mathematical calculations are made to calculate the average power (amplitude), frequency, and communications between the networks.

These are then seen as standard deviations above or below the normative databases based on the age and gender of the patient. This information is displayed using a brain map.

Quantitative analysis gathered from the qEEG’s are most easily displayed by using a brain map. Brain maps can visually show where a person may have a dysregulation, where the amplitude, height or power of a brain wave is too high or too low, or whether the absolute frequency or speed of the wave, is at a faster or slower range. We are able to look at how certain areas of the brain communicate. Additionally, detailed patient questionnaires help to confirm if these areas of dysregulation are contributing to the patient’s symptoms.

CNS Vital Signs The next baseline test involves taking a computerized neurocognitive test. This neurocognitive test will measure one's overall cognitive performance as well as details as to various aspects of memory, psychomotor speed, attention, and social acuity. We utilize CNS Vital Signs, one of the most researched and sophisticated tests currently available. CNS Vital signs is used by the US Military Veterans hospitals and worldwide by the university and the pharmaceutical industry to assess neurocognitive function. A patient takes this test in the office, or if appropriate, at home. It usually takes between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of areas tested.

The CNS report allows us to see what areas a person is either performing above average, average, low, or very low when compared to the normative database. When an injury occurs there is a disruption in neuronal network communication which is seen on the EEG and this will affect brain performance. There are often excellent correlations with the brain map generated by the EEG and the CNS Vital Sign testing results.

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Balance Track Testing The third test I like to baseline as part of our comprehensive Triple-Test Baselining is Balance. We use Balance Tracking Systems ultrasensitive force plate to see how well a patient's balance compares to the normative database. If a concussion occurs, often one's balance is affected. However, this may give us information about people's risk for falling in all age groups.

After obtaining the patient's height, weight, and age, they place their feet on the Balance Plate shoulder-width apart, eyes closed and hands on their hips. First, there is a preliminary trial test that is performed to get one used to what they will need to do, and then three more 20-second tests are performed. Finally, the tests are averaged out, and a report generated. Altogether, this test takes about 2-3 minutes.

As you can see, The NeuroEdge Triple Baseline Testing is very comprehensive and can help us know how well your brain is performing. This information is essential if you want a baseline comparison in case of future injury and is the first place to start when figuring out a customized brain performance enhancement program.

Should you or your child experience a head hit, concussive injury or other brain trauma we use numerous therapies to aid in recovery. Naturally every case is different, our treatments are customized to the needs of the specific individual.

Dr. Adam Breiner practices naturopathic medicine at Whole-Body Medicine in Fairfield, CT. Patients from Connecticut and surrounding states seek his care for Lyme Disease, Brain Injuries, such as stroke, concussions, TBI, as well as enhanced Brain Performance. Among the many neurotherapies we use are: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Pulsed Magnetic and Transcranial Electrical Stimulation, Neurofeedback, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Altitude Contrast Training, Photobiomodulation, Homeopathy, Nutritional support, Nutraceuticals and Systemic Detoxification. Visit the Neuroedge Brain Performance Center at www.wholebodymed.com or to schedule an appointment call 203-371-8258 ext. 2. See ad on page 21.

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8 Tips to Restoring Healthy Brain Function

By David London, MD

S

leep, water, stress reduction, exercise, and diet are key when it comes to brain health. Here’s my top recommendations for improving brain health: 1. Sleep: We need at least 6 ½ hours sleep, preferably 7-8, for the body to be free of stress, and at least four hours before 3 am so we get the release of growth hormone that occurs in deep sleep, otherwise cortisol release will interfere, peaking at 4 am.

2. Water: Adequate water intake is vital: dividing your weight in pounds by 2 gives the number of ounces of water per 24 hours. Try to sip throughout the day and very little during eating to not interfere with digestion.

3. Stress Reduction: Most important is cultivating a stress-free lifestyle, avoiding chronic stress and making sure depression gets treated appropriately. Cut back on things that continually create stress, minimizing triggers, dialing down your activities and commitments if you are too busy and time challenged, limiting electronics like TV, internet, cell phone, and avoiding sitting for long periods.

5. Meditation: This promotes physical and mental health: blood pressure, heart rate, attention span, happiness, freedom from depression and anxiety. Mindful eating fosters a healthy eating experience: chewing, extracting the taste in each mouthful of food, and noticing that subtle transition when we notice we are full.

Overeating is easy if you are distracted or think you have to finish everything that is on the plate.

6. Diet: Healthy eating and maintaining a good weight increases longevity and decreases chronic disease. Cutting back on processed carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol, breads, pasta, potatoes, desserts, lots of sweet fruits will lower the glycemic index in your diet which will help if you are overweight, tired a lot of the time, irritable, or forgetful. It will also help you begin to get control of food cravings. It is important to know if you are prediabetic or have insulin resistance as this usually can be corrected with diet. Sugar and foods that quickly convert to sugar are risk factors for the brain decreasing cerebrovascular circulation.

4. Exercise: Exercising five times a week for 30 minutes is the recommendation for brain health: walking is fine. Being outdoors is even better as you connect with the natural environment. Yoga, Pilates, tai chi, qi gong, aerobics exercise, weight training, and weight lifting can improve our flexibility, balance, strength and increase our resistance to disease.

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High protein diets may not be the best diets for long term; however, people in their 60s and older typically need more protein. Research clearly demonstrates that a vegetarian diet promotes the longest lifespan; a ¼ cup of beans daily decreases cardiovascular mortality. Healthy fats are most important and, ever since the low-fat recommendations decades ago that radically altered eating habits as

well as cholesterol fears, most of us don’t get enough healthy fats. It is true that short and medium chain triglycerides, butter and coconut oil, are saturated, but we actually need these fats in our body in moderate amounts as they are good for our gut and our brain. We also need cholesterol and long chain fatty acids: olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, fish oil and flaxseed oil. Fish oils and flaxseed oil are essential fatty acids, and just like essential amino acids, we can’t make them and must get them from our diet.

The problem is that most of us don’t eat enough dark greens or deep water fish to give our body, and particularly our brain, enough omega 3 fatty acids, another name for fish oils and flaxseed oil. If you are struggling with cognitive decline or serious neurologic degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, then a high fat, ketogenic diet would be beneficial as it is a cleaner way to make energy and keep our mitochondria, the organelles in cells that make energy, functioning optimally.

7. Reduce Toxic Exposure: Many of us carry a lot of toxins in our body (plastics from foods, containers, cosmetics, heavy metals, organic pollutants in household cleaning products and pesticides, yeast, mold, and pathogenic bacteria), and this leads to autoimmune diseases and thyroid disease, where the body is inflamed. It must be addressed clinically but also through diet. The Paleo diet is an anti-inflammatory diet that removes all grain and beans because they have

lectins on their surface that can trigger an inflammatory reaction from our immune system. This diet emphasizes nuts, seeds, berries, and lots of protein. There is no dairy either as that often is a source of inflammation.

8. Supplements: Some additional supplements that support brain health include multivitamin/mineral with active B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, curcumin, resveratrol, acetyl carnitine, green tea, N-acetyl cysteine, alpha lipoic acid. Dosing depends on age and health condition.

In private practice since 1982 and Assistant Prof of Psychiatry at Yale since 1987, Dr. David London uses sophisticated genetic, hormonal & nutrient testing to detect the root causes of cognitive and/or mental health disorders. Natural, integrative, holistic methods often resolve them without negative side-effects. While meds are still an option, he prefers Functional Medicine, Nutrition, EMDR, Acupuncture with Essential Oils, Psychotherapy as well as Coaching in Meditation, Yoga, Qi Gong, Exercise, Relationships and Lifestyle changes. Call 203-557-6574 for Westport office, 860443-5822 for Waterford office; see davidlondonmd.com for more information.

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Understanding Brain Chemistry: Natural Treatments for Anxiety & Panic

By Antonio Reale, ND, MS

N

aturopathic medicine's proverbial toolbox is full with herbs that can help treat anxiety and panic disorder. Plants with sedative or anxiolytic, (literally, "anxiety breaking") properties can quickly dampen symptoms of anxiety. Some of these herbs may be familiar, frequently discussed in everyday culture; herbs like Passionflower, Oats, and Lemon Balm have wonderful calming qualities and many have used Valerian for its sedative properties in promoting sleep. I often give patients the example of Hops, which is used to make beer, and describe the use of Kava in the islands of the South Pacific to quell social anxiety. Another classic example of an herbal sedative is Chamomile, famous in households across the globe as a relaxing tea. It's here that I usually differentiate between a tea and an herbal tincture so patients can better understand how a botanical extract is different from the tea they have at home.

Botanical Tincture Most of us are familiar with a tea or infusion, where the herb is steeped in water for several minutes. A botanical tincture is a liquid herbal mixture in which alcohol is used to extract the medicinal constituents, usually over a period of weeks. This process strengthens the liquid, rendering it much more potent than a household tea, which is why a Chamomile tincture is more effective in treating an anxiety than the common tea. When we're treating children, adolescents, or adults wishing to avoid an alcohol base, we can use tinctures called glycerites, using vegetable glycerin rather than alcohol to extract the plant's medicinal qualities. Of course, these herbs are also available in pills or capsules for those who prefer to avoid the liquid form.

With so many herbs to choose from, finding the right prescription sometimes involves taking into account an individual's constitution, (such as whether the patient is a "warm" or "cold" person), as well as the other healing properties of the herbs. For instance, an herbalist might choose to avoid Lemon Balm for its effects on the thyroid gland or to include Kava in a patient suffering from muscle spasms. Choosing the right tincture for a patient and 26

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deciding its proportions is part of the "art" of botanical medicine, allowing for a much more personalized approach to the treatment of anxiety.

Beyond Herbs: Amino Acids & Neurotransmitters Herbs can be very effective at calming anxiety and panic, but most times, we are looking to address potential imbalances in the brain chemistry that can be causing symptoms. I tell my patients to imagine two opposing factors in the brain, glutamate and GABA, neurotransmitters working opposite one another with very different effects on mood. We can imagine glutamate as excitatory and neuro-stimulatory, increasing symptoms of anxiety and alertness. Glutamate is opposed by GABA, which is instead inhibitory and exerts calming effects. The goal in the treatment of anxiety becomes to either decrease glutamate or increase GABA to restore balance in the brain. Many of the sedative herbs discussed earlier, such as Valerian, exert their calming effects by suppressing glutamate.

Neurotransmitters can be difficult to measure so it's not always clear whether the anxious patient suffers from too much glutamate or too little GABA. In reality, it's likely that the anxiety can be helped by restoring balance to both neurotransmitters. In the case of GABA, the simplest and most direct way to increase levels in the brain is to supplement with GABA itself, in pill form.

In private practice, I have found GABA to be especially beneficial in some patients, but there is constant debate in the medical community on GABA's ability to effectively cross what is known as the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Fortunately, we can avoid this by supplementing instead with l-theanine, an amino acid that helps to produce GABA in the brain, avoiding any absorption issues.

L-theanine is a component of green tea, responsible for the socalled "zen" state of relaxation, affecting alpha waves in the brain which are created during states of meditation and mindfulness.

Since theanine has a role in affecting mindfulness and awareness, it is unique in that it can improve mental clarity and focus.

Theanine's role in promoting mental performance separates it

from the other natural agents and medications used to treat anxiety because it isn't heavily sedating. Patients will complain of side-effects from anti-anxiety medications, including drowsiness, headache, decreased libido and poor memory. While anti-anxiety medications and calming herbs work by sedation, theanine stands apart in doing just the opposite, helping us to function better under stress and anxiety, whether at work or at school. Patients will often ask whether drinking green tea is a good substitute for theanine supplementation and it is here that we get into a discussion of therapeutic doses. A patient with more severe anxiety or panic will often start a dose comparable to the amount of theanine in 10 cups of green tea!

Back to the Basics: Vitamins & Minerals You may have heard of B-Complex and its ability to reduce stress or have experienced the calming effects of an Epsom salt bath after a stressful day. The relaxing properties of each can be explained by looking again at the neurotransmitters discussed earlier. Vitamin B6 and magnesium are both co-factors in the conversion of glutamate to GABA; that is, both nutrients promote the conversion of glutamate into GABA, decreasing excess glutamate and increasing GABA. Epsom salt consists of magnesium sulfate so it makes sense that this commonly touted warm bath would promote a sense of calm. Ideally, a healthy, nutrient-dense diet should provide us with the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep this conversion running smoothly, but nutrient deficient soil and genetic factors sometimes mean supplementation is necessary.

Lavender: In a Class of its Own When talking with patients about the treatment of anxiety and panic, I like to discuss lavender because of its rather unique effects on mood. Many of us are familiar with aromatherapy and the uplifting properties of lavender, helping to elevate mood and relieve sadness. While aromatherapy certainly has its therapeutic benefits, the use of lavender oil internally is especially beneficial in the treatment of anxiety. While much of our conversation has focused on normalizing levels of glutamate and GABA, lavender works instead on the modulation of calcium channels in the brain.

Calcium channels are responsible for the release of neurotransmitters and hyperactive nerve cells can result in anxiety.

Since lavender works internally to restore

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balance to calcium channels in the brain, it provides us with yet another treatment for anxiety through an entirely different pathway. In fact, some of the research has shown lavender oil to be as effective as paroxetine and lorazepam, commonly used anxiolytic medications. Not only does lavender provide us with an alternative pathway in the treatment of anxiety, but its mood stabilizing effects bridge the gap between anxiety and depression. With constant anxiety and especially panic, it's understandable that a person's mood can also suffer and I often say anxiety and depression go "hand in hand." Since lavender oil can improve mood while reducing anxiety, I sometimes use this in combination with herbal tinctures and neurotransmitters for a more well-rounded approach.

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As with any condition, the goal is never to simply suppress symptoms, but to identify and address the cause. In some cases, panic attacks can occur suddenly and without reason. Other times, finding the cause can be difficult and the start of a long, but healthy and critical process to healing. Most naturopaths are comfortable counseling patients as part of a general office visit, but a referral to a licensed mental health professional is sometimes necessary.

I like to refer my patients to therapists who specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is remarkably effective for panic disorder. With CBT, patients take an active role in the healing process, reenacting scenarios that can elicit anxiety and

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

provoke panic. The purpose is to learn to feel comfortable in situations where panic might arise, which is useful, given the often unpredictable nature of panic disorder.

This can be difficult for patients to accept, but I often explain that the goal of herbal medicine is to lessen anxiety while learning coping mechanisms that become life-long tools for success. Therapy, whether CBT or a more traditional approach, is an essential part of any anxiety treatment plan because it helps the patient develop a better understanding of his or her body and self-perception. Without it, we are simply replacing anti-anxiety medications with anti-anxiety herbs, albeit with less side-effects.

In the meantime, I counsel my patients on the benefits of yoga and breathing techniques that can help them while we work together on addressing imbalances in the brain chemistry and restoring mood through the use of herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and neurotransmitters.

With so many options, the treatment of anxiety can seem overwhelming, but it's comforting to know there are many possibilities, each treatment as unique to every individual as anxiety itself.

Antonio Reale, ND, MS is a licensed naturopathic physician and nutritionist practicing in Wethersfield, CT. He specializes in personalized botanical medicine and is founder of The Herbal Room, a multidisciplinarywellness center with an inhouse botanical dispensary. For insurance information and scheduling, visit www. theherbal-room.com. See ad on page 25.

Insulin Resistance as an Adaptation: Helpful or Not?

By Stacey Munro, ND

I

t was commonly believed that insulin resistance, a precursor to type II diabetes, developed as an adaptation to periods of starvation in our evolutionary history. This hypothesis was based on the premise that in times of starvation the body could preserve glucose levels, important for the brain and tissue healing. In times of plenty the body could readily store fat for future energy. This was known as the “Thrifty Gene Hypothesis”. Individuals who had this gene adaptation were more likely to survive lean times and later reproduce offspring. Current research has found this hypothesis to be inadequate. In times of starvation, death is often caused by infection, not loss of fat stores. Newer theories hypothesize that many genes influence the development of insulin resistance. There is no one gene that would give particular advantage for survival on its own. Experts agree that diet and lifestyle plays an even larger role.

Activation of the immune system and inflammation during infection is thought to be an adaptive response leading to insulin resistance. Nutrients are redirected from skeletal muscle to fight infection. In our modern world, chronic inflammation from unhealthy diet and lifestyle habits are contributing to the development of insulin resistance.

Insulin Resistance Insulin resistance occurs when the cells of the body do not respond normally to the hormone insulin. Insulin is secreted into the blood by the beta cells of the pancreas.

The role of insulin is to regulate blood sugar levels by being the key that allows glucose into the cell. It is produced all of the time, even when we are sleeping. Insulin levels rise in response to a meal. Foods high in carbohydrates, including grains, potatoes, fruit, refined sugar, and processed foods cause the biggest surges. In order for the body to get fuel from ingested carbohydrates, they have to be broken down into individual sugar molecules called monosaccharides.

Glucose, a monosaccharide, is absorbed

into the body and transported into the cells.

Inside the cell, glucose is used to produce energy.

There are several causative factors for insulin resistance. Obesity alone is a risk factor for developing insulin resistance.

People who have gastric bypasses have an almost immediate reduction in insulin resistance due to weight loss. A diet high in refined carbohydrates causes frequent spikes in insulin production (hyperinsulinemia) and contributes to insulin resistance. Consuming excess calories, whether from fats or carbohydrates, leads to greater fat storage and obesity.

Fat Storage The amount of insulin that the body can produce is limited. Blood sugar levels creep up when insulin can no longer keep it in check. This leads to type II diabetes. For 1/3 to 1/2 of the American population, it is the overfed state that is the biggest risk factor for insulin resistance leading to type II diabetes.

Fat storage affects cell signaling, leading to inflammation and the development of insulin resistance. Fats stored around the organs and especially in the liver, known as “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” are especially dangerous. Fat stored under the skin, known as “subcutaneous fat”, does not increase the risk of developing type II diabetes. Development of insulin resistance is also triggered by stress and insufficient exercise. There are many negative physical reactions to insulin resistance. It is associated with weight gain, inflammation, reduction in good cholesterol, and decreased fertility.

tionarily and functionally. Insulin allows the body to divert resources to where they are needed. During starvation muscles are spared when insulin resistance is higher.

Higher insulin levels have a positive effect on the brain and cognition. People with insulin resistance benefit from consistent blood sugar levels, even when fasting or exercising. From an evolutionary perspective, insulin resistance may have helped people survive starvation and injury.

The risk of developing insulin resistance and later type II diabetes is believed to be, at least in part, an inherited trait. At least as much risk is related to diet and lifestyle habits. Obesity has been shown to be a consistent risk factor for developing insulin resistance and type II diabetes. Excess food is stored as fat, once the short-term energy needs of the body are met. Diets both high in carbohydrate and high in fat contribute to fat storage. When fat is stored around the organs of the abdomen, especially the liver, it creates inflammation and abnormal cell signaling leading to insulin resistance.

Chronic inflammation may be driving the widespread incidence of insulin resistance and type II diabetes.

Dr. Stacey Munro is a Naturopathic physician who specializes in prevention and treatment of chronic health conditions.

Following Naturopathic philosophy, she looks for the root cause, rather than just treating symptoms. Dr. Munro prescribes dietary and lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, herbs, and other natural therapies. Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic 178 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT 860.758.7808 www.NaturesHelperMedical.com.

Benefits of Insulin As detrimental to health as insulin resistance sounds, there are some benefits to it, both evoluwww.NaturalNutmeg.com

29

Digging Deeper into Diabetes

By Andrea Colon, ND and Lauren Young, ND

D

iabetes mellitus, more commonly known as simply “diabetes,” involves the dysfunction of insulin, a hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells which controls sugar levels in the body.

Historically, there were two classifications of Diabetes mellitus: Type 1, an autoimmune disorder which attacks pancreatic beta cells and thereby prevents the normal production of insulin, and Type 2, a progressive disease that reduces the ability of the body to utilize insulin properly.

More recently, a third type has emerged in the literature: Type 3c, insulin dysfunction resulting from pancreatic disease states.

Because the therapeutic approaches for each of these distinct types varies greatly, this discussion will focus solely on Diabetes mellitus, Type 2.

Because 90% of all diabetes patients over the age of 40 are diagnosed with Type 2, this subtype has become increasingly visible within the world of public health and for good reason. While elevated blood sugar may seem relatively inconsequential, in reality, diabetes affects every system of the body. Rampant sugar molecules damage the endothelial lining of blood vessels and prevent the formation of new, healthy blood vessels (angiogenesis), setting up ideal conditions for diffuse vascular disease. Without ample blood supply, each organ system deteriorates, leading to cardiac disease, renal disorders, compromised immune function, liver dysfunction, stroke, psychiatric disorders, visual impairments, and neuropathy.

Not only are the ramifications of uncontrolled diabetes greatly underestimated, the number of diagnosed cases of the disorder is staggering, and continues to grow. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people with diabetes has risen from 108 million in 30

1980 to 422 million in 2014. In the United States alone, 29 million people have been diagnosed with the disease, and the epidemic continues to grow. Indeed, diabetes has become a global health crisis.

Unfortunately, the care provided by conventional medical practitioners typically emphasizes prescriptive medications to reduce blood glucose levels, and while this is a necessary aspect of disease management, it does not truly address the root of the pathology. Diet and lifestyle changes play a tremendous part in reducing risk factors in pre-diabetics and in gaining sugar control in diagnosed patients, but even with following the strictest of protocols, there are a significant number of patients who do not find improvement. It is clear that a more creative approach to studying the etiology of diabetes is necessary to developing more effective treatment options.

The Endocrine System Cellular endocrinology “deals with all the related aspects of biochemical mechanisms, synthesis and production of extracellular signal transductions, and other mechanisms in hormonal control,” including hormonal gene expression and regulation. In other words, it investigates how the endocrine system both affects and is affected by intracellular activity. Through this lens, researchers can investigate diabetes as the result of dysfunction within the organelles of individual cells, addressing dysfunction within these organelles at every step of the metabolic process. This very targeted approach allows investigators and clinicians to develop individually-tailored treatment options that may address very nuanced causes of sugar dysregulation, thereby bringing about more successful outcomes in the management of this disease.

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

Metabolic Inflammation In a study designed to investigate the effects of diabetes on the human brain, researchers found that diabetes-related intracellular stress to the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum created what they termed “metabolic inflammation,” which in turn, caused cell death within the brain.

This manifested as cerebral dysfunction, or “diabetes-associated cognitive decline”.

This concept of diabetes-associated cellular trauma is not limited to the brain, it can happen all over the body. A study performed in 2014 by a team in France found that hyperglycemia is a huge culprit in the creation of reactive oxygen species or damaging free radicals within the diabetic body, and when combined with a reduced antioxidant ability creates a state of chronic inflammation. Despite aggressive antioxidant vitamin administration, no real evidence to the reduction of harmful inflammation was shown. While the findings of this particular study may be disheartening to some, the researchers’ proposal for further investigation provides even greater insight into the importance of antioxidant support in diabetic therapies.

For instance, it is unclear how far the pathology of the participants had progressed before they had enrolled in this study. Is there a threshold at which oxidative damage is irreversible in relation to diabetic neuropathy, insulin sensitivity, and cognitive decline? Perhaps the methods of administration, the forms of, or the dosages of the vitamins used in this study could be altered, with more favorable results.

Would bolstering antioxidant precursors (as opposed to poorly-absorbed whole antioxidant formulations) within the body elicit the proper utilization of the antioxidant vitamins? This study leaves many opportunities for further investigation.

Anatomy & Physiology of a Cell Before diving more deeply into cellular endocrinology, perhaps it would be beneficial to review the anatomy and physiology of a cell. As you may remember from biology classes gone by, human cells are eukaryotic, meaning that each cell contains a membrane-bound nucleus, genetic material, a plasma membrane, ribosomes, and cytoplasm. Human cells also contain membrane-bound structures called organelles, including mitochondria, the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, and ribosomes.

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• The nucleus is the largest organelle in a cell, and contains genetic information called chromosomes.

It’s widely known as the “control center” of every cell.

• Mitochondria are tube-like structures that have highly-folded inner membranes. They utilize cellular food (glucose) to create useable energy for the cell (ATP) in a process called respiration. Depending on the energy needs of a particular cell, the number of mitochondria inside can vary greatly. You may remember these as the “powerhouses” of a cell.

• Ribosomes are tiny structures residing in the cytoplasm and alongside parts of the endoplasmic reticulum. They produce proteins, and therefore are the “protein factories” within a cell.

• Proteins manufactured by the ribosomes and other lipids within a cell are shunted to the Golgi apparatus for packaging and transit preparation, which has given rise to this organelle’s nickname: the cellular “post office.” This organelle also produces lysosomes, tiny envelopes of digestive enzymes, that become useful in the case of autophagy and apoptosis.

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• Proteins and other materials are shuttled in and out of the cell via a network of fluid-filled membranous tubes called the endoplasmic reticulum, which has given rise to its apt nickname, the “transport system” of each cell.

Each of these organelles fill important roles in the normal and health metabolism of each cell, and can be compromised significantly in disease processes like diabetes, leading to dysfunction in necessary processes like glucose metabolism, energy production, autophagy, and apoptosis.

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The Energy Producing Mitochondria Mitochondria are the energy producing organelles found in virtually all human cells. Mitochondria contain an outer membrane which allows small molecules to pass through selectively and an inner membrane, or matrix, where metabolic processes occur. DNA and enzymes can also be found in the inner matrix.

One of the main duties of mitochondria is to metabolize and breakdown carbohydrates and fatty acids in order to generate energy. Beta oxidation is a process in which fatty acids are broken down and metabolized into Acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA is then utilized in the Krebs Cycle, which produces carbon dioxide, NADH and FADH2. These molecules are involved in the electron transport chain, or ETC, where oxidative phosphorylation occurs, leading to the formation of adenosine triphosphate, better known as ATP, the major energy source for most cellular processes.

The process of the ETC creates reactive oxygen species, or ROS. ROS function as secondary messengers and can directly kill bacteria or cause pro-inflammatory responses to signal other inflammatory markers to attack viruses and bacteria. On

the downside, they can also cause direct damage to a cell, inducing apoptosis, or cell death, via oxidative stress. Because of their complex involvement in many cellular processes, mitochondria dysfunction has been a widely researched topic as it pertains to disease development and progression. This is particularly true in the case of diabetes.

Any alteration in mitochondria function would negatively affect insulin secretion from beta cells of the pancreas. It is believed that the production of ROS from the mitochondria may interfere with insulin signaling in muscle cells, leading to insulin resistance, a defining feature of Type 2 diabetes. In healthy individuals, insulin is released from the pancreas in response to elevated glucose levels and helps to push glucose back into the cells. In individuals with insulin resistance, cells are not responsive to the effects of insulin leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Lowered production of ATP would affect the ability of glucose to trigger insulin. Persons with diabetes typically produce more ROS, leading to mitochondrial and cellular oxidative damage, thus leading to further worsening of diabetic complications.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

Biopsies of skeletal and cardiac muscle of persons suffering from Type 2 diabetes revealed mitochondria tend to be smaller in size than healthy individuals, further contributing to insulin sensitivity. Reduced metabolic process is also observed in mitochondria of diabetic individuals, leading to less energy and DNA production overall.

Antioxidants play an important role in the management and reduction of cellularly damaging oxidative species. Coenzyme Q10, is an antioxidant that is mobilized in the ETC. In its ubiquinone forms has been show to help reduce free radical damage and help support mitochondrial integrity. Other important antioxidants include Vitamin E, Vitamin C and glutathione and have been shown to improve mitochondrial function.

Putting It All Together While oxidative stress and inflammation are two serious sequelae of poorlycontrolled diabetes, they are unfortunately not often included in the discussion around diabetic treatment approaches. Recent research clearly presents a strong argument for investigating the effects of the disease, and of its treatment, on the cellular level, as there is much more to be uncovered in the world of cellular endocrinology.

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A significant way to improve the impact of diabetes education is to include these concepts in discussions with family members, your own healthcare practitioners, and if applicable, your patients, too. When people have a basic understanding of how blood sugar affects every aspect of their bodies, they can formulate better questions for those who help manage their health, and make much more well-informed decisions about the medications they take, the food they eat, and the activities with which they involve themselves. We need to educate ourselves with information (sometimes, down to the most microscopic detail) in order to help empower those around us battling this disease. With diabetes predicted to become the 7th leading cause of death by the year 2030, it is incredibly important to explore prevention and long term care avenues now.

With that said, the reality of how to move forward after reading this primer in cellular endocrinology is quite simple.

Until advanced pharmaceutical interventions that directly address the metabolic pathways discussed here are developed, we turn to current medications and interventions that have mounting evidence in support of their use. As the research shows, Metformin, often considered first line therapy for newly diagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetics, is not only a moderate glucose lowering agent, but also has the ability to inhibit mTOR, which promotes proper cell apoptosis and autophagy.

The drug also has positive effects on the SIRT1 pathway, restoring insulin sensitivity in podocytes, which is critical to healthy kidney function.

For the more naturopathically inclined, natural sources of mTOR-inhibiting, SIRT1-promoting, ceramide flow-freeing substances are abundant. In his paper entitled, “Inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling by Natural Products,” Dr. Shile Huang compiles an excellent resource list for natural ways to reduce oxidative stress from glucolipotoxicity. Perhaps the most surprising endorsement his writings provide is for non-GMO soy, a rich source of isoflavones. Oft the victim of much nutritional scrutiny, perhaps more investigation and consideration is needed before we as a society can write off an entire food source of nutrition and beneficial antioxidants.

All things considered, cellular endocrinology is an extremely nuanced field with vast opportunities for diagnostic and clinical investigation. With each discovery of pathways influenced by sugar dysregulation, we find more and more validation of the overarching benefits of complete nutrition and healthy lifestyles. This can only be seen as a growing body of evidence in favor of natural medicine integrated with conventional healthcare, and should ultimately promote changes to the education of medical professionals in the management of chronic diseases like Diabetes mellitus. Deeper understanding of human anatomy and physiology, combined with the use of integrative methods to address dysfunctional cellular metabolism, may just be the 1-2 punch we need to knock out this public health crisis.

Dr. Andrea Colon and Dr. Lauren Young are naturopathic physicians at Collaborative Natural Health Partners in Manchester, CT. Dr. Colon is accepting new patients and accepts insurance. She loves working closely with patients of all ages to tailor customized treatment plans. For an appointment call 860.533-0179 or visit ctnaturalhealth.com.

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Food-Confused?

Choose Minimally Processed for Optimal Wellness

By J. Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® "...the most meaningful label on your food...is the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic seal.

For a product to be certified organic, it’s required to meet specific standards: [1] Organic crops cannot be grown with synthetic fertilizers, synthetic pesticides or sewage sludge.

[2] Organic crops cannot be genetically engineered or irradiated.

[3] Animals must eat only organically grown feed (without animal byproducts) and can’t be treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics.

[4] Animals must have access to the outdoors, and ruminants (hoofed animals, including cows) must have access to pasture.

[5] Animals cannot be cloned.

Y

~ “Understanding Food Labels” foodandwaterwatch.org (July 12, 2018)

ou may have heard that processed foods can harm your health, but do you know why? Have you ever wondered just what a “processed” food is, exactly? Below are some guidelines for wading through the label and food choice quagmire.

You will be well on your way to healthier living once you know which types of foods and food ingredients to avoid, and which to consume.

What is a “Processed” Food?

The strictest definition of a “processed” food is one that has been altered mechanically or chemically before consumed. Of course, not all processed food is bad. Certain forms of processing, such as cleaning, chopping/trimming/macerating (think tea bags, protein powders, and smoothies), freezing, canning, and packaging, can make food safer and more affordable and convenient (and thus more likely to be eaten). Some processing, such as fermenting and the adding of vitamins/minerals and fiber, can even enhance food nutrition value.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

Unhealthy, ultra- processing refers to extensive food alteration and the addition of multiple undesirable, unnecessary ingredients.

These types of alterations and additives convert healthy nutrientdense foods to ones that are full of empty, diseasepromoting calories.

Health Conditions Linked to Regular Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods Ample scientific evidence ties poor diet to poor health and degenerative disease. Ultra-processed foods consumed regularly over time, can cause and/or exacerbate inflammation, delayed food intolerances/allergies, weakened immunity and cancer, overweight/obesity, diabetes, digestive ailments, heart disease, and brain dysfunction (ADD/ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease). In a February 2018 study of over 100,000 participants researchers concluded that, “a 10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods in the diet was associated with a significant increase of greater than 10% in risks of overall and breast cancer.”

Data from a 2014 study of 345 children proved that consumption of ultra-processed products played a role in raising total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The researchers concluded, “These results are important to understanding the role of food processing and the early dietary determinants of cardiovascular disease.”

Specific Ingredients to Avoid Guideline: If you can’t pronounce its ingredients, or don’t know what they are, don’t eat it.

While it is often impossible to avoid all processed foods, becoming familiar with this list of harmful label ingredients can improve the total nutritional value of your grocery cart.

Refined Carbohydrates (aka simple/processed carbohydrates): Refined sugars [high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), table sugar] and refined grains/starches (white flour, white rice, mainstream cakes, cookies, crackers, breakfast cereals and pasta) are the two types of refined carbohydrates.

Since tasting sweetness enhances appetite, the inclusion in foods of HFCS, high amounts of other sugars, and especially artificial sweeteners, increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and general mitochondrial dysfunction. One 2015 study of the impact of carbohydrate intake on the liver labeled fructose a, “weapon of mass destruction.” Researchers determined in 2014 that because artificial sweeteners alter the composition and function of intestinal microflora, their consumption can quickly induce glucose intolerance and gut dysbiosis in healthy people.

Stripped of most vitamins, minerals, and fiber, refined grains: (1) provide only “empty calories”; (2) are digested quickly; and (3) have a high glycemic index and glycemic load. They thus lead to blood sugar and insulin spikes, overeating, and increased risk for numerous diseases, including diabetes.

Harmful Fats: It is best to avoid high intake of foods containing over-processed/ refined, high-omega-6 vegetable oils (soybean, cottonseed, sunflower, corn, canola, peanut), synthetic, partially-hydrogenated trans fats, and animal-sourced saturated fats. These “bad” fats promote inflammation and cellular membrane dysfunction, thus increasing the risk for atherosclerosis, increased blood triglycerides typical in diabetics, and many other diseases.

Artificial Flavors & Food Dyes: While no artificial flavors or dyes belong in food, it is particularly noteworthy that diacetyl (DA), the butter flavoring added to microwave popcorn and other foods, accelerates

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beta-amyloid plaque aggregation, associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease, and may cause long-term neurological toxicity.

GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms): Corn, soy, sugar beets, and canola, the main genetically-engineered crops in the United States, are widely used in processed foods. U.S. food companies are not currently required to note on labels whether their products contain GMOs, despite the existence of the same requirement in over 60 other countries. GMO research is ongoing, and the companies that create GMOs and profit from their sale continue to argue vociferously for their practical, commercial, and health values. According to the Non-GMO Project (the leading thirdparty verifier of non-GMO ingredients), however, “[a] growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage, and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights... In the absence of credible independent long-term feeding studies, the safety of GMOs is unknown.”

MSG (aka glutamic acid, glutamate, hydrolyzed protein, autolyzed yeast extract): Sometimes hidden on labels as “natural flavor,” MSG over-stimulates and exhausts neuron receptors. It has been linked with numerous health problems, including headaches, fatigue, depression, rapid heartbeat, and general neurological dysfunction.

Synthetic Pesticides/Herbicides/Fertilizers (especially glyphosate): Guideline: Certified organic food is always non-GMO, but non-GMO food is not necessarily organic/certified organic.

Food receives the USDA Organic certification only if: (1) plant ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and (2) animal-derived ingredients come

36

Certified organic food is always non-GMO, but non-GMO food is not necessarily organic/ certified organic. from animals that are fed only organically grown feed and are not treated with antibiotics or synthetic hormones. The Environmental Working Group provides Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists to guide consumer choices according to which foods have the most and least pesticide residues, respectively.

Scientific studies have shown: (1) pesticides harm children’s brains; (2) pesticide use is linked to childhood cancers, and prostate/testicular cancers; and (3) organic foods offer significantly higher levels of antioxidants and healthy fats than conventionally grown varieties.

However, though it certainly seems indisputable that one should avoid eating toxic chemicals, scientists maintain that more research is needed that: (1) addresses the long-term impact of organic food consumption on various chronic diseases; and (2) compares the impact of organic and conventional diets.

Preservatives: Sodium nitrate/nitrite, often found in deli/smoked meats (bacon, ham, hot dogs, and jerky) greatly increase cancer risk. BHA and BHT are tied to neurological, behavioral, and hormonal problems, cancer, and metabolic dysfunction.

As far back as 1980, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) banned the use of these preservatives, and researchers

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

in 1986 cited them as toxic, harmful to the blood, and potentially very detrimental to the circulatory system.

Healthy Minimally Processed Food Choices While many popular foods undermine good health, there are plenty of wholesome, minimally processed food options that enhance health span and longevity, including: (1) the rainbow of organic, (ideally locally grown) vegetables and fruits; (2) organic eggs; (3) wild fish; (4) organic poultry; (5) organic whey/vegan protein powders; (6) brown/wild rice and quinoa; (7) non-dairy milk and cheese alternatives (some argue that these are overly processed, despite their lacking harmful ingredients); (6) beans; (7) healthy fats, including olive, flax, hemp, avocado, and coconut (controversial) oils; and (8) filtered, high-pH water, teas, and coffee/ coffee alternatives. A plant-based diet that minimizes meat consumption best supports long-term wellness.

Removing processed foods from your diet and replacing them with whole food options, can be affordable, easy, and even fun. Taking these simple steps can ease the transition to a healthier diet: (1) identify your favorite foods that are processed; (2) make a list of minimally processed foods that you enjoy; (3) search online for replacement ideas (for example, exchange Doritos for organic walnuts, almonds and cranberries as a mid-day snack) and easy, fast recipes that incorporate the healthier foods you like; (4) one day, or even one week at a time, swap one processed food in your diet for one minimally processed option. Before you know it, you’ll be eating mostly whole foods and feeling and looking healthier, thinner, and younger!

The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, are for educational purposes only, and are not intended to take the place of a physician’s advice. Submitted by J. Erika Dworkin, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®, Nutrition Consultant and owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178), 378 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT, www.cthealthshop. com), nutrition specialists trusted since 1956. Erika is available to speak to groups.

This article is evidence-based and references are available upon request.

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internal guidance for an answer. If I receive the answer, “Stay in your lane”, I know that this is not the appropriate training for me.

Monetize Your Mission …Through Marketing Your Solutions

By Robin Clare, MBA any holistic practitioners invest heavily into updating their professional credentials. While it’s important to enrich your skill set, this isn’t necessarily the magic bullet that takes your practice to the next level of financial success.

M

My question to you is: How much certification training is enough?

The answer is simple. If adding one more modality does not deliver more committed clients, then it’s time to rethink how you are spending your resources (or time and energy). Attracting more clients often boils down to developing a targeted marketing plan. You already have great credentials. It’s time to get the word out about your amazing talent so that prospective clients know you are ready to meet their needs.

As a business owner, you are responsible for marketing your business and the Universe is responsible for ensuring prospective clients notice your advertising or listen to your Facebook live or read your email. The Universe cannot tap someone on the shoulder or whisper in their ear to pay attention to your message if you are not doing any marketing.

In other words, if you don’t tell people what you have to offer, why would they consider buying what you are selling?

Marketing is a prelude to making a sale. If you are not marketing, could it be that you are afraid of sales? Is it possible that you are afraid of failure and afraid of success at the same time?

“When the fear of selling rears its ugly head, adjust your perspective and see yourself as the beacon that guides your clients to their greatest healing and success.”

Only in the present moment can you see that you are not selling a service but offering a way to help your client. In a recent sales training I attended, the teacher said, write down the word S E L L. Next, she said, change the S to H which changed the word to H E L L. She said that hell is most likely what the sales process feels like to her students. Her last instruction was to change the last L to P – creating the word H E L P. This is an important mindset shift for a holistic business professional to think of the sales process as a stepping stone to helping others. The act of helping others is 100% in alignment with your healer nature. Therefore, you are not “selling” wellness, you are offering solutions that enable your clients to get well.

Could it be that you are already a brilliant practitioner and you have all the tools that can comfortably fit in your tool belt? In fact, adding that next modality might become a distraction. Whenever I am considering a new training, I check my

Take Stock of Your Skills and Expertise Before you consider your next certification program, I would invite you to take stock of how much you currently have to offer clients. Don’t be shy, don’t hide and don’t think you are showing off. Shout how wonderful you are to potential clients through targeted marking.

When the fear of selling rears its ugly head, adjust your perspective and see yourself as the beacon that guides your clients to their greatest healing and success. I would love to hear about your business dreams.

Here’s your first opportunity to show off how awesome you are! Visit https:// my.timetrade.com/book/G2QDK to set up a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL 20-minute Discovery Call with me.

Robin Clare is an experienced corporate MBA, non-profit administrator and holistic entrepreneur. Robin is the creator of the Divine Freedom Formula™, a three-tier approach to fulfilling you Soul Mission across your personal, professional and community life. Robin is an advanced Akashic Record reader and a certified 13th Octave La Ho Chi energy healing practitioner. Robin won 1st place in Natural Nutmeg’s Readers Poll for BOTH Life/Business Coach and Energy Healer. She is the author of Messiah Within and the Amazon Best Selling spiritual book, The Divine Keys. Robin guides others to live their Soul Mission, remove their success blockers and create strategies for life and business success. Robin is available to speak to your community. To learn more about Robin, please go to: www.clare-ity.com or call 860-232-3331. See ad on page 8.

Marketing and Mindfulness When you have a fear of failure, are you focusing your energy on past marketing efforts that did not increase sales? Conversely, when you have a fear of success, are you worried about future marketing efforts that have unknown results? Either way, you are not living in the present moment. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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HAPPENINGS

November/December 2018

Friday, November 2nd

Friday, November 9th

Holiday Meal Alternatives with Priscilla Bengtson.

7 – 8:30pm. $40.00. The holidays are fast upon us and you’re looking for healthier options for food.

Food is a memory and Priscilla will show you how to create your holiday dinner with some heathier choices. You’ll learn how to make it, get to taste it and take home the recipes. Class size is limited.

The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

New Moon Sound Healing Meditation with Reiki & Essential Oils with Priscilla Bengtson and Dan Lupacchino. 7 – 8:15 p.m. $35.00. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Dan will introduce an essential oil and offer Reiki throughout the session. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, November 4th

Move Your Chakras - Change Your Life. 6:30 – 7:45pm. Also 12/7. An experiential moving meditation. Chakra aligning music & visualizations. Finding your own rhythm and being your authentic wonderful self. Try it! Sacred Rivers Yoga, 28 Main St., E Hartford/Glastonbury line. $15 pre-register ($20 at the door) with Anne 860-808-8264 www.colhh.com

Reiki I with Christine Cartwright. 9am – 5pm. $150.00. Attune to the universal energy in this Level I Usui Reiki class. Participants will learn traditional hand positions, how to give a full body session and receive attunements to the universal Reiki energy for self-healing and healing others. Participants receive a manual, book and certificate. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10am. – Noon. $25.00. We invite in our angels and guides to help us release those things that keep us stuck. The energy of the group helps us to release those things that no longer serve our highest good and allow us to live an empowered life. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, November 10th 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. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To preschedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, November 13th

Making Gemstone Bracelets with Nicole Herbst.

1 – 2:30pm. $35.00. It’s holiday gift giving preparation. Learn to make two healing gem stone stretch bracelets for yourself or others. You will also learn the meanings of included gem stones, such as amethyst, ruby jade, quartz, aquamarine, and more. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Private Crystal Bed and Crystal Bowls Sound Healing sessions with Priscilla Gale. 11am – 4pm. $100.00.

Relax and unwind to the soothing sounds of the crystal singing bowls while you relax under the powerful healing of the Crystal Bed. Once the crystal wands are turned on, Priscilla plays crystal bowls that have been placed strategically around the room, with an emphasis on the 4th and 5th chakra bowls. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. For scheduling, please contact Priscilla Gale at 978.897.8846.

Wednesday, November 7th

Wednesday, November 14th

Angels of the Four Corners Crystal Attunement with Christine Cartwright. 7 – 8:30pm. $40.00. Christine will introduce you to crystals which will deepen your connection to these powerful guardians. You will then experience a guided meditation where these angels and crystal vibrations come together to aid you on your spiritual journey. Crystals included in your registration. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson. 10 – 11:15am. $25.00. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Find your inner calm and walk away feeling refreshed and renewed. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

intuitive readings  angel therapy®  medical intuition

energy healing  sound healing workshops certificate programs Priscilla Bengtson 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury healinginharmonycenter.com  860.430.9801

38 38

Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg--November/December November/December2018 2018

Healing in Harmony Night. 5 – 7pm. FREE. Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive a 10 – 12-minute healing. No reservation required. You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Community Acupuncture with Elaine Reynolds.

7 – 8pm. $35.00. Acudetox, auricular (ear) acupuncture uses the gentle placement of five small, sterilized needles in each ear to help balance the physical and spiritual being. This treatment is used in addiction therapy, pain management, depression, anxiety and PTSD. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, November 15th Angel Therapy. 7 – 8:30pm Learn how working with the angels can awaken your intuition & help you receive divine guidance. Engage in exercises to clear and balance your energy field and facilitate healing.

Sponsored by Alliance for Holistic Living. Presenter: Dr. Renee Mammone, Angel Therapy Practitioner, Theta Healer & Naturopathic Physician, Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center, Wethersfield. Hosted at Ravenwood Holistic Wellness Center, 199 West Center St., Manchester. FREE. Non-perishable food item donation appreciated.

Friday, November 16th Meet your Angels and Guides with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 – 9:30pm. $65.00. 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. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, November 18th Expressions of Faith Spiritual Service with Rev. Karen Ellis. 9:30 – 10:30am. Love donations accepted. Rev. Karen will offer an inspirational talk, along with delivery of messages from the other side. If you are seeking a new expression of your faith, join us. Join in at 10:30 a.m. for a hands-on Healing Service. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sacred Rivers Yoga Center 28 Main Street East Hartford, CT 06118 Phone: 860.657.9545 Fax: 860.657.3161 www.sacredriversyoga.com Paula Scopino ~ Owner/Director Yoga Alliance 200 & 500 Hour Teacher Training Yoga Therapy Workshops

Christmas Tree Seances with Warren Caylor.

Also 11/19 and 11/20 7pm. (arrive by 6:30pm.), $100, plus bring a toy. Part Physical Mediumship Séance, part charity but totally a fun and rewarding experience. Like a typical Warren séance, levitation, apportation and ectoplasm will occur. However, the children in Spirit like to play too and they will delight you with their experience playing with the toys during the session. A session like no other and we donate the toys to a charity for holiday distribution. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, November 21st Crystal Grid Chakra Healing Meditation with Christine Cartwright. 7 – 8pm. $25.00. Come in, lie down and let your troubles slip away as Chris guides you through cleansing and balancing your Chakra system. You will also receive a hands-on Reiki healing and a crystal to take home to continue the healing process. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, November 24th Crystal Bowl Sound Healing Concert with the Crystal Bed with Priscilla Gale. 7 – 9pm. $25.00, or $35.00 for premium rate with the Crystal Bed. Relax to the soothing sounds of the Crystal Singing Bowls as you let go of the stresses of life. Calm your mind and find peace as the gentle sounds bring your body and mind to a state of balance. If you would like to experience the Crystal Bed during the session, nine spots are available at the premium rate. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, November 25th Community Acupuncture with Elaine Reynolds.

1 – 2pm. $35.00. Acudetox, auricular (ear) acupuncture uses the gentle placement of five small, sterilized needles in each ear to help balance the physical and spiritual being. This treatment is used in addiction therapy, pain management, depression, anxiety and PTSD. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, November 27th Sound Healing Meditation, Essential Oils and Reiki with Priscilla Bengtson and Christine Cartwright.

7 – 8:15pm. $35.00. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center,

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allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Christine will introduce an essential oil and offer Reiki throughout the session. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, November 28th Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson.

5 – 6:15pm. $25.00. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Find your inner calm and walk away feeling refreshed and renewed. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Home Message Circle. 7 – 8:30pm. $20.00. The session is open to anyone who wishes to practice their mediumship message delivery in a group. Your ability doesn’t matter as we are all here to get some practice and learn from each other. A group facilitator will help you stay on track with your message if needed. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, November 29th Scents of the Season with Dan Lupacchino.

7 – 8:15pm. $35.00. Join Dan for a fun night of brewing up some products that not only help to invoke the scents of the season but also boost your immune system and clean the environment. We will be making Aroma-Sprays, Essential Blends and special Yule time incense that enhance our holiday spirit to new levels.

Participants will take home samples of each product and worksheet for how to recreate the items. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, November 30th Gallery Night with Priscilla Bengtson.

6:30 – 8:30pm. $45.00. Priscilla is a certified Angel Therapy Practitioner®, Medium and Psychic Intuitive who connects with angels, spirit guides and those who have crossed over. Readings will be done gallery-style with Priscilla providing messages to the audience as they come through to her. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, December 2nd Reiki II with Christine Cartwright. 9am – 5pm. $160.00. Receive attunements to higher frequencies of universal energy and enhance your healing work.

Learn how to do distance healing, as well as heal mental, emotional and past life issues. Participants receive a manual and certificate. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, December 4th Healthier Holiday Desserts with Priscilla Bengtson.

7 – 8:30pm. $40.00. Staying Healthier through the Holidays is our mission and Priscilla has some great ideas for healthier holiday dessert options. See how they are made, taste them and take home the recipes. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, December 5th Mother Mary: Queen of the Angels with Christine Cartwright. 7 - 8:30pm. $35.00. Learn about Mother Mary and discover the many ways in which she is protecting, healing, and guiding us all. We will then explore the origins and symbolism of The Miraculous Medal, ending the evening with a meditative journey to connect with the Queen of the Angels for our own personal guidance and healing. Participants receive a Miraculous Medal to take home with them. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, December 7th So you want to be a Medium? with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 – 9:30pm. $65.00. Participants will learn the differences between mediumship and psychic ability, how to receive messages clearly and how to know who you are working with in the spirit world. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, December 8th Holiday Open House, Craft Fair and Psychic Saturday. 10am – 4pm. Readings, 20-minutes/$25.00. Join us in fellowship for our Open House and Craft Fair and while you are here, 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. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

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

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Crystal Bowl Concert with Priscilla Gale.

6:30 – 8pm. $35.00. Relax and unwind to the beautiful tones of the Crystal Singing Bowls. Wash away the stress of the day and bring calm to your life. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, December 9th Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10am – Noon. $25.00. We invite in our angels and guides to help us release those things that keep us stuck. The energy of the group helps us to release those things that no longer serve our highest good and allow us to live an empowered life. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

The Sacred Science of the 52 Cards with Mary Anne Costerella. 1 – 5pm. $75.00. Explore your Spiritual Code camouflaged inside a deck of ordinary playing cards! Your destiny is revealed by the Date of Birth and its relationship to the Common Deck of 52. In this soulfully revealing workshop, you will learn about the authentic and ancient purpose of the 52-card playing deck. The 52 cards are truly path identifiers, sacredly created to self-compass on planet Earth! The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, December 12th Healing in Harmony Night. 5 – 7pm. FREE. Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive a 10 – 12-minute healing. No reservation required.

You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Community Acupuncture with Elaine Reynolds.

7 – 8pm. $35.00. Acudetox, auricular (ear) acupuncture uses the gentle placement of five small, sterilized needles in each ear to help balance the physical and spiritual being. This treatment is used in addiction therapy, pain management, depression, anxiety and PTSD. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, December 14th Sound Healing Meditation with Reiki and Essential Oils with Priscilla Bengtson and Christine Cartwright.

7 – 8:15pm. $35.00. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Christine will introduce an essential oil and offer Reiki throughout the session. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, December 16th Expressions of Faith Spiritual Service with Rev. Karen Ellis. 9:30 – 10:30am. Love donations accepted. Rev. Karen will offer an inspirational talk, along with delivery of messages from the other side. If you are seeking a new expression of your faith, join us.

Join in at 10:30 a.m. for a hands-on Healing Service.

The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

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Monday, December 17th Sound Healing Meditation with Reiki and Essential Oils with Priscilla Bengtson and Dan Lupacchino.

5 – 6:15pm. $35.00. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Dan will introduce an essential oil and offer Reiki throughout the session. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, December 18th Private Crystal Bed and Crystal Bowls Sound Healing sessions with Priscilla Gale. 11am. – 7pm. $100.00.

Relax and unwind to the soothing sounds of the crystal singing bowls while you relax under the powerful healing of the Crystal Bed. Once the crystal wands are turned on, Priscilla plays crystal bowls that have been placed strategically around the room, with an emphasis on the 4th and 5th chakra bowls.

The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. For scheduling, please contact Priscilla Gale at 978.897.8846.

Tree Wise Men Essential Oil Meditation with Dan Lupacchino. 7 – 8pm. $30.00. Experience the love and guidance the ancient masters have to bring us during this powerful solstice season, helping us to keep light and longevity through the winter. Tap into the mystical energies of the holidays and receive the gifts of these Tree Wise Men. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www. healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, December 19th Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson.

10 – 11:15am. $25.00. The use of Himalayan Singing Bowls, vibrationally attuned to each energy center, allows for healing pathways to open and stuck energy to be released. Find your inner calm and walk away feeling refreshed and renewed. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Crystal Grid Chakra Healing Meditation with Christine Cartwright. 7 – 8pm. $25.00. Clear and balance your energy with this guided Chakra Healing Meditation and the healing energy of the Crystal Grid. You will also receive a hands-on Reiki healing and a crystal to take home to continue the healing process. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Wednesday, December 26th Home Message Circle. 7 – 8:30pm. $20.00. The session is open to anyone who wishes to practice their mediumship message delivery in a group. Your ability doesn’t matter as we are all here to get some practice and learn from each other. A group facilitator will help you stay on track with your message if needed. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, December 28th Gallery Night with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30– 8:30pm. $45.00. Priscilla is a certified Angel Therapy Practitioner®, Medium and Psychic Intuitive who connects with angels, spirit guides and those who have crossed over. Readings will be done gallery-style with Priscilla providing messages to the audience

Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg--November/December November/December2018 2018

as they come through to her. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury.

To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, December 30th Community Acupuncture with Elaine Reynolds.

1 – 2pm. $35.00. Acudetox, auricular (ear) acupuncture uses the gentle placement of five small, sterilized needles in each ear to help balance the physical and spiritual being. This treatment is used in addiction therapy, pain management, depression, anxiety and PTSD. The Healing in Harmony Center, 80 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit healinginharmonycenter.com.

ONGOING Wednesdays Intro to Yoga . Oct. 15th– Nov. 21st 7:30-8:30pm. $95. This series is for people who are new to yoga and those looking to deepen their practice. You will learn the names of postures and their proper alignment so you can get the most out of yoga without injury. Fuller Yoga Pilates and Massage, 2450 Main St. Glastonbury, www.fulleryoga.com, 860.430.9642 The Feldenkrais Method ®Awareness Through Movement® Classes with Karen Emerick, A powerful way to eliminate stress and pain while dramatically increasing flexibility. Through stress and injury we develop habitually chronic tight muscles and stiff joints leaving us feeling older than we are.

Through slow, deceptively simple and ingeniously designed movements done on the floor, these chronic old patterns ingrained in our body melt away, leaving relaxed muscles, improved coordination and balance and an effortless sense of movement.

Glastonbury, 10:15 – 11:30am, $15, drop-ins $20.

Register: 860.633.7667.

Psychic/Spiritual Development Monthly Study Group. 6:30-8:30 PM. November 14, December 12 with Joyce St. Germaine, M.Ed., CHt., RYT-200. $25 ($20 for elders over 65, Veterans and full-time students). This group is for everyone from beginners to experienced mediums. Meditation, spirit guides, pendulums, crystals and stones, divination cards, numerology, palmistry, and energy healing techniques will be introduced. Please bring your journal. The Sacred Journey, 29 Davis Road (Driveway is on Duane Lane), Burlington. (860) 675-9706, jsgermaine@aol.com, www.thesacredjourney.biz (In case of inclement weather, if Burlington Parks & Rec. cancels events, our study group will be canceled.)

Shamanism Monthly Study Group. 6:30-8:30 PM. November 21, December 19 with Joyce St. Germaine, M.Ed., CHt., RYT-200. $25 ($20 for elders over 65, Veterans and full-time students). Practice cross-cultural shamanism, become adept at journeying, and build relationships with animal and spirit helpers. Learn ceremony, focus on restoring balance to self, community, planet and beyond. Please bring a journal and eye covering. The Sacred Journey, 29 Davis Road (Driveway is on Duane Lane), Burlington. (860) 675-9706, jsgermaine@aol.com, www. thesacredjourney.biz (In case of inclement weather, if Burlington Parks & Rec. cancels events, our study group will be canceled.)

RESOURCES ACUPUNCTURE

HYPNOSIS

Acupuncture of Greater Hartford Stan Baker, LAC 645 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105 860.836.1068 • acupuncturestanbaker.com

Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. (203)595-0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 36.

ProNatural Physicians Group Traver Garrity MS LAc 120 Webster Square Rd. Berlin, CT 06037 860.829.0707 • acupuncture@travergarrity.com www.pronaturalphysicians.com See ad on page 14.

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

DENTISTRY

Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860-704-9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dochincheydmd.com See ad on page 28.

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 7.

FINANCIAL PLANNING Dana McLaughlin CFP®, RLP®, AAMS®, C(k)P® Managing Partner, TrinityPoint Wealth 612 Wheelers Farms Rd.Milford, CT 06461 Office: 203.693.8521 |Fax: 203.693.8524 dana@trinitypointwealth.com See ad on page 28.

Caroline Wetzel, CFP®, AWMA® Procyon Private Wealth Partners, LLC 1 Corporate Drive Suite 225 Shelton, CT 06484 475.232.2713 • cwetzel@procyonpartners.net www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-wetzel/ www.procyonpartners.net

HOLISTIC CENTERS Bridge Healing Arts Center 304 Main Street, Farmington, CT 06032 860.404.2578 • BridgeHAC@aol.com www.BridgeHAC.com See ads on page 27 and 32.

HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY David London, MD 544 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 Ph: 203.557.6574 Fax: 860.973.1655 567 Vauxhall St. Ext, #218, Waterford, CT 06385 Ph: 860.443.5822 Fax: 860.444.0581 davidlondonmd.com

INTEGRATED MEDICINE ProNatural Physicians Group 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 (860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 14.

Sophia Natural Health Center 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804.

(203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.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 19.

ProNatural Physicians Group Dr. Ann Aresco, Dr. Cait Barbiero, Dr. Martin Opoku & Dr. Jennifer C. Pierre 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 P: 860-829-0707 F: 860-829-0606 E: ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast.net www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 14.

NUTRITION Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ad on page 31.

PHYSICIANS, M.D. Connecticut Women's OB/GYN South Windsor/West Hartford/Enfield www.womenshealthct.com • 860-648-2748 See ad on page 21.

Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt Street, New Milford CT 860-354-3304 • www.tsachsmd.com See ad on page 31.

Natural Health & Healing, LLC Deanna M. Cherrone, MD 41 N. Main St, Ste 207, West Hartford, CT (860) 677-4600 • naturalhealthandhealing.net See ad on back cover.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

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

Center for Natural Medicine, LLC 640 Main Street, Watertown, CT 06795 860-945-1004 • centerfornaturalmedicine.net See ad on page 31.

Collaborative Natural Health Partners Dr. Lauren Young, Dr. Ashley Burkman, Dr. Tonya Pasternak and Dr Craig Fasullo 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 28.

Naturopathic & Acupuncture Health Center Dr. Marie Mammone, Dr. Renee Mammone, NDs John Mammone, Licensed Acupuncturist 274 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860)529-1200 • www.NAHcenter.com Stacey Munro, N.D. Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic 178 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT 06078 860.758.7808 • www.natureshelpermedical.com The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788 See ad on page 35.

Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt Street, New Milford CT 860-354-3304 • www.tsachsmd.com See ad on page 31.

ROLFING® Rolfing®- The Art and Science of Body Change Sharon Sklar, BFA, MsT, Cert. Adv. Rolfer West Hartford 860.561.4337 since 1981 www.SharonSklarRolfing.com

SCHOOLS The Graduate Institute 171 Amity Rd, Bethany, CT 06524 (203) 874-4252 • info@learn.edu

SKINCARE Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center Melissa Martin, 16A Ensign Drive, Avon.

(860)284-9730 • www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net

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BERNIE

By Bernie Siegel, MD

live your life W

e are never told the odds are 100% that we will die. We find so many ways to deny our mortality with statistics about varying diseases and never using the word death but when you add up the numbers there are no other options. One word of advice, don’t do things to not die it because it doesn’t work, and you will be very upset about the time you wasted trying to avoid dying.

Many years ago I thought one of our children, then age seven, had a malignant bone tumor and the odds were that he would be dead in a year. I was very depressed by what I thought I knew was going to happen and tried to communicate this depressing news to the family. One day he walked into the room where I was sitting and said, “Dad can I talk to you? You’re handling this poorly.” He taught me what every child and animal knows. Today is the only day which exists. The future is unknown and we are here to enjoy the day and not let what we think will happen destroy our lives with fear and worry about what may never be. As my wife says, “Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” Our attitude is what creates our life no matter what the circumstances are that we live in.

When I was speaking to a group of people with bladder control problems I mentioned how lucky they were. They wanted to know why I said that and I responded, “Every time you see a sign that says ‘Wet Floor’ you can do it.” They laughed and I think I gave them something to smile about in the future. I have mentioned before how a man helped me by coming up to me and telling me I had an angel and he knew his name. He said this after I shared a story about an accident I had and that I had no explanation for why I wasn’t killed or seriously injured. I asked, “What’s his name?” He asked, “What did you say when the ladder broke and you fell off the roof?” “I said, Oh Shit!” He said, “That’s his name.” I can’t tell you how many times in the midst of a disaster I have yelled out my angel’s name and ended up laughing and avoided disasters because of how relaxed I became at that moment.

The greatest force available to man is love. It makes us blind to faults so we can heal relationships. It eliminates enemies and does so much more. I believe when one does what one loves and loses track of time, aging is avoided. I think this is the fountain of youth. Do what makes you lose track of time and you lose all awareness of physical and emotional problems. You are now a divine creator and time and matter do not exist. It is similar to an out of the body experience.

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Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018

When you want to drive your enemies crazy love them and torment with tenderness. I know from experience with people abused as children what can happen when they decide to love the unlovable and forgive the unforgivable. What happens? They become free to live in the moment and not suffer in the past. So, abandon your past and use your passion to create a future.

Women with the same cancers as men live longer. Married men with the same cancers live longer than single men. Monkeys given AIDS who lived in a cage with friends lived six months longer than monkeys with AIDS living with strangers. You are not a statistic and please do not die on schedule because of what a doctor may say. If you offer to bet a doctor that you will live longer than predicted they don’t take the bet.

Stop thinking and start feeling. As I said, don’t deny your mortality, accept it and go home and live your chocolate ice cream.

You may be amazed at what that does to the odds. As one woman wrote me who went home to die and started doing everything she loved to do before she died, “I didn’t die and now I am so busy I’m killing myself.” My advice to her was to take a nap. Resting is an activity which will allow you to burn up and not out.

Live your life and save your true self. And don’t wait until you develop a life threatening illness to give yourself permission to tell the world to back off and let you choose your way. As my mom says, “When you have a decision to make do what will make you happy.”

For many, Dr. Bernard Siegel-or Bernie, as he prefers to be called-needs no introduction. He has touched many lives all over the Planet. In 1978, he reached a national and then international audience when he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. Read Bernie’s regular blog posts on his website where you will also find his books, articles, and CDs: http://www.berniesiegelmd.com. He is the Co-Academic Director of the Integrative Health and Healing M.A. Program at The Graduate Institute, Bethany, CT Bernie currently holds a cancer support group the second and fourth Tuesday afternoons of the month 1:30-3:30PM at Coachman’s Square at 21 Bradley Road, Woodbridge. If interested contact Lucille Ranciato: lranciato2@yahoo.com 203 288 2839; or Bernie: bugsyssiegel@sbcglobal.net. You can find Bernie’s books ad CDs at Wisdom of the Ages in Simsbury, Ct. See ad on page 38.

www.NaturalNutmeg.com

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Deanna Cherrone, M.D.

Internal Medicine Certified Functional Medicine practitioner

“Do you believe you should feel better than you do?”

Natural

Health & Healing

LLC

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

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 • Insomnia • Stress & Anxiety • Decreased Libido • Aches & Pains • Decreased Stamina • Constipation • Allergies • Inability to Lose Weight New Services:

Health & Nutrition Coaching with Kathy Beach including the Whole 21 program • EndoPAT testing to assess blood vessel health • InBody - lean muscle and fat mass analysis • PiezoWave 2 sound wave therapy to hasten healing of musculoskeletal injuries • Breast health screening with Thermography 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

41 N Main Street Suite 207 W. Hartford, CT 06107 • www.naturalhealthandhealing.net 44

Natural Nutmeg - November/December 2018