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

9th Anniversary Issue

October 2016

Natural Nutmeg Connecticut's Resource For Essential Living

Breast Cancer: The Integrative Connection Kenneth Hoffman, DAOM , L.Ac., CCH Can You Rewrite Your Story About Fear? Juliette Taylor

Waging a War Against Cancer vs Healing Your Life Bernie Siegel, MD

Has Breast Cancer Touched Your Life? Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BC Experience a Fairytale at WildSpring Guest Habit in Southern Oregon Diane Hayden, PhD Five Keys to Creating Harmony Between Your Personal Life and Your Financial Life Dana McLaughlin, CFP®

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You Deserve...

LUXURY. FOR YOUR SOUL.

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

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

Live your passion, power, and purpose.

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

Natural Nutmeg - October 2016

Acupuncture Experienced Care for Difficult Cases

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

Call (860) 321-7234 for a free initial consultation. 25 Bailey Road, Suite 5 Avon, CT 06001

www.fittoyouct.com

Stan Baker, LAC

With 30 years experience in the Oriental Healing Arts, Stan utilizes the major modalities of Chinese Medicine.

Call 860.836.1068 TODAY Acupuncture of Greater Hartford 645 Farmington Ave, Hartford acupuncturestanbaker.com

Purchase between 10/1-10/31. Redeem at WHY anytime.

Over 60 yoga classes a week... power, hot, gentle, intro, restorative, yin, prenatal Spa & wellness services... massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, nurtitional counseling

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23 brook street, west hartford ct | 860.953.yoga | westhartfordyoga.com www.NaturalNutmeg.com

In This Issue 11

Preserving Fertility, Preserving Hope

In Every Issue 28

Joshua M. Hurwitz, MD

The Beauty of Brussels Sprouts

Julie Wern

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

Thyroid Hormone Dysfunction and Weight Loss Frank Aieta, ND

Cranial Therapy & Holistic Physical Therapy for Concussions and Sports Injuries

Breast Cancer: The Integrative Connection

7 QUESTION

Kenneth Hoffman, DAOM , L.Ac., CCH

8 NUTMEG

Five Keys to Creating Harmony Between Your Personal Life and Your Financial Life Dana McLaughlin, CFP®

Mouth Watering Food, Delicious Wine and Pure Romance in Sonoma Diane Hayden, PhD

Experience a Fairytale at WildSpring Guest Habit in Southern Oregon Diane Hayden, PhD

Ayelet Connell, PhD, PT, IMT,C

Can You Rewrite Your Story About Fear? Juliette Taylor

Unhealthy Gut Bacteria Can Cause Weight Gain Jane Grant, RD

Has Breast Cancer Touched Your Life? Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BC

Self-Healing with Singing Bowls Priscilla Gale

28 4

Natural Nutmeg - October 2016

NUGGETS

10 THE BUZZ 38 HAPPENINGS 40 RESOURCES 42 BERNIE

Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Issues November Holiday Eating Strategies December Sleep Hygiene

We Feature:

Raleigh & Co. offers a wide selection of dog treats that are made in the U.S.A. and are wheat, corn, and by-product free!

+ Single Ingredient Treats + Organic Options + Human Grade Ingredients + Treats in Bulk to Minimize Packaging

VISIT US FOR HELP FINDING THE BEST OPTION FOR YOUR PUP! 209 Bruce Park Avenue, Greenwich • 203.340.9170 • raleighpetgoods.com Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10AM to 6PM.

New Look. New Menu. , The NEW Bailey s.

A True, American Farm-to-Table Restaurant.

FARM TO TABLE SUPPER: OCTOBER 1ST

Celebrating the Art of Lolita Valderrama Savage Saturday, October 1, 2016 6-10pm @Stamford Museum and Nature Center

Purchase Tickets at www.stamfordmuseum.org/farmtotable or by calling 203.977.6533

Baileyʻs Backyard 23 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield, CT 06877 (203)431-0796 • www.baileysbackyard.com (located minutes from the Ridgefield Playhouse)

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PUBLISHER'SLETTER

o be in a non-resistant state means that everything you desire is magnetized to you immediately and you are open to accepting that it may not come in the package you expect. How your dreams will manifest, how the Universe will bring them to you, is not your concern. When you are trying to work out how it will happen, you are emitting a vibration that contains a lack of faith. That you don’t believe you have it already. You have to be flexible in order to manifest. You can’t be rigid. If you are rigid you will become frustrated and disappointed when things don’t happen the way you think they should. You have to be able to bend and twist like nature to weather the storm. You may think you have it all figured out and you know the best way to create what you want. That’s the ego at work. The soul may have other ways to bring what you want into your life. And sometimes you get what you need which may not always be what you think you want. Your soul may have a learning experience that it needs to fulfill and this is part of the manifestation of your ultimate goal. Embracing the unexpected is about being receptive to what the Universe and your soul may have in mind for you. The Universe cannot express itself through you if you are busy with your little plans, because it wants to express BIG plans through you. Think of the times in your life when you were open to the unexpected happening. You may have visualized or dreamed of creating something and the end result was more amazing than your wildest imagination. As I finish this publisher’s letter, I’m 4 days away from leaving for Italy and Spain. It’s been 16 years since I’ve traveled to Italy and I’ve never been to Spain so I am totally expecting the unexpected! I’m also realizing that I will need to be extremely flexible and non-resistant to whatever happens – getting lost on the crazy roads in Italy, trying to find our accommodations, deciphering menus written in other languages and multiple flights to get everywhere! This will be a test for sure – make sure you follow our adventures on Facebook and Instagram – https://www.facebook.com/ NaturalNutmegMagazine and on Instagram at naturalnutmegmagazine.com. In Health and Happiness,

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

PUBLISHER Dr. Diane Hayden Publisher@naturalnutmeg.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Percival Deb@naturalnutmeg.com ADVERTISING advertising@naturalnutmeg.com DIR. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Christopher Urso Curso@naturalnutmeg.com FAIRFIELD COUNTY MARKETING DIRECTOR Alicia Blair Alicia@naturalnutmeg.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ashley Frament layout@naturalnutmeg.com SOCIAL MEDIA Erica Morawski & Alexa Morawski ADVISORY BOARD Ann Aresco, N.D. Deanna M. Cherrone, MD Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.) Debra Gibson, ND Lauren Young, ND Kenneth Hoffman, LAc, CCH Vicki Kobliner, MS, RD, CD-N

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

DISTRIBUTION Greater Hartford and surrounding counties, please contact Natural Nutmeg. FFC - Tom Cossuto, Man In Motion, LLC

Natural Nutmeg Magazine 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. © 2007-16 by Natural Nutmeg, LLC. All rights reserved. Parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that permission be obtained in writing. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the ar ticles and adver tisements, nor are we responsible for the products and ser vices adver tised. We welcome your feedback.

Natural Nutmeg - October 2016

What is one

place you’d love to travel to and why

Erica Morawski I would love to road trip through California- in a yellow Jeep Wrangler if I had my choice. I’ve never been farther west than Texas, and the land of rich and famous is a place I’d love to view with the top down and the salty breeze blowing through my hair. From San Diego to San Francisco, a road trip through the great state of California is my next destination!

Chris Urso One place I would want to go is South Africa - maybe Kapama Private Game Reserve, which is teeming with African wildlife (including the big 5). I would finally see the amazing animals in person that I used to watch on the TV show, “Wild Kingdom” as a kid!

Alicia Blair

Ashley Frament How do you pick just one dream destination?! There are so many places I would love to go, but the first would be Ireland. My husband’s mother was born in Northern Ireland and came to the U.S. when she was 6 years old. On my mother’s side I also have Irish roots. I would really love for us to take a trip back to a country where we both have ancestors.... plus it is beautiful, and being a beer aficionado it has many wonderful pubs to tour!

Diane Hayden

I’d love to go to Africa on a safari, this has been a dream of mine for many years and remains on my bucket list. Giraffe’s are my favorite animal and it would be incredible to see them and other wild animals in their natural habitat or on a reserve and see beautiful vastness of the country.

Alexa Morawski Spain! I studied Spanish in high school, but I never became fluent. I’d love to go and spend a while there immersed in the culture, learning their beautiful language. ¡Adiós América! ¡Quiero visitar España!

One place (actually 2!) that I’ve always wanted to travel to are Australia and New Zealand. I’d love to see the beautiful landscapes, taste the amazing wines and hopefully see Koala bears, kangaroos and the Kiwi bird. Beaches, jungles, lively cities, fantastic food - what more can you ask for!

NEXT QUESTION: What is your favorite holiday tradition? Tell us on our Instagram, @naturalnutmegmagazine, or on our Natural Nutmeg Magazine Facebook page, your most favorite holiday tradition. Make sure to tag us and use #NNthequestion for a chance to be featured in the November issue of Natural Nutmeg Mag! Comments can also be emailed to diane@naturalnutmeg.com

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Nutmeg “Nuggets” New Periodontal Disease Paradigm

um disease (technically periodontal disease including gingivitis and periodontitis) is the combination of: 1) inflammation, and 2) aberrant oral ecological balance. When we view periodontal disease beyond merely the response of our gums to pathogenic microorganisms, we can develop better and more complete treatment modalities to solve that problem for that individual. So, what is inflammation? Inflammation is the term used to describe the body’s usually protective responses to any kind of particle (living or non-living), energy (light, heat, electromagnetic) or trauma that impacts the individual. There are two major types of inflammation: acute (the inciting stimulus is affecting and threatening the individual now) and chronic (the inciting stimulus may or may not be present, but the body has ramped up its response beyond what is necessary to handle the insult from the stimulus). The four classic signs of inflammation are: redness, due to increased blood flow, swelling, increased heat or temperature, and pain. As the response to an assault on our bodies’ functional integrity, acute inflammation is necessary to life and living. But as an inappropriate prolonged action, chronic inflammation can be disabling or even life threatening. Ecological balance has to do with the relationship between the inhabitants of the oral cavity (i.e. you as the host (with any protective or maladaptive tendencies) and any microorganism residents or visitors including bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans) and the environment of the oral cavity (i.e. the amount, composition, consistency, and acidity of your saliva, your dietetics (including foods and beverages), your breathing habits, your chewing, clenching and grinding habits, your oral hygiene practices, your drugs, medications, and supplements regimens, your smoking (any form or substance) or tobacco use tendencies, your alcohol usage, and your tendency toward disordered sleep). The paradigm shift from compartmentalized, symptom based, mechanistic treatment to a root cause discovery customized solution is such a major change that many conventionally trained dentists and hygienists totally reject the notion. The root cause discovery customized solution requires the partnership of you, the patient, and your dental healthcare provider to tailor your care to and for you. Yes, regular professional and daily home care is still required, but health is so much more than just the absence of disease, deformity, and dysfunction. The co-discovery of what is really causing your disease, deformity, and/or dysfunction requires a comprehensive evaluation of your particular risk and benefit factors, your particular habits, and your particular health, dental and family histories including physical and emotional (especially “stress”) aspects. And except in a very few isolated circumstances, developing periodontal disease is your choice by ignoring your personal responsibilities to your overall health. Kevin H. Norige, DMD is the founder and chief dentist at South Windsor Smiles, a private dental practice that focuses on oral health as part of the whole body system. For 35 years he has worked with patients to achieve a healthy mouth and live a healthier life. In 2007 Dr. Norige began working as a preceptor at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, teaching “Critical Thinking in Dentistry”. (860)640-4464. www.SouthWindsorSmiles.com. See ad on page 43.

Natural Nutmeg - October 2016

Leading the Way for Organic Beauty in Connecticut

reasons to use organic skincare and makeup products! • They rejuvenate, nourish and restore the skin with the purest ingredients • They deliver high performance and anti-aging benefits • They are free of harmful chemicals and hormone disrupters

“Several years ago when I learned it only takes 26 seconds from the time a product is applied to your skin to be absorbed into your bloodstream, I began educating myself on the toxins and chemicals used in everyday personal care products. I was astonished to find the lack of regulation in the personal care industry. I felt that every woman should have the opportunity to make a healthier choice about what they put on their bodies,” says former cosmetic executive, Siobhan McKinley. ORGANÁCHS Farm to Skin opened in Westport this past March and is nestled downtown next to the Saugatuck River. “ORGANÁCHS is the Irish spelling for “Organics,”” says Siobhan McKinley, the owner. “When I first discovered VOYA (wwww.voya.ie), a luxury Irish skincare line that offers a full range of 100% organic, hand-harvested seaweed based facial and body products and experienced their benefits, I began to further investigate the organic beauty industry.” ORGANÁCHS Farm to Skin is where one will find a well curated selection of organic and natural skincare, makeup and hair products that offer high efficacy and high performance as well as the purest ingredients. These products deliver the results women are looking to achieve. They will heal, restore, regenerate, hydrate, nourish and revive your skin without the toxins! The selection of brands, such as Bottega Organica, Dr. Alkaitis, Pai Skincare, Meow Meow Tweet, de Mamiel botaniques, Ursa Major, rms beauty, Vapour Beauty, Nat’Aura, Holos Skincare, Suntegrity Sun care, Zoe Organics, Gressa Skin and more are made mostly in small batches by formulators who care about the ingredients they offer their customers. The products combine nature with science as many of the brands have been developed by scientists, doctors, biologists, herbalists, and aromatherapists. Soon to arrive is Rahua, the world’s top prestige 100% Natural Plant derived hair collection as well as new makeup products from rms beauty and Vapour Organic Beauty and an organic perfume collection. “The creativity and innovation used in formulations that repair and protect skin is very exciting to me”, says Siobhan. Incorporating Organic beauty into your daily routine is easier and more accessible than it has ever been. ORGANÁCHS also offers natural and organic deodorants which are also high in demand due to the known chemicals in conventional deodorant products. ORGANÁCHS Farm to Skin offers facials and professional makeup application by appointment. We also offer VIP parties and wellness workshops. Store location: 15 Post Rd West, Westport, 203.221.0435, www.organachsfarmtoskin.com Store hours; Tues-Fri 10:30-5:30, Saturday 11-5 and Sunday 12-4. Closed Mondays.

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

Why Dr Steven Hinchey? Both he and his staff

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

860-633-6518 www.dochincheydmd.com

• •

• • •

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THE BUZZ

Free Yoga Therapy Clinics at Sacred Rivers Yoga

acred Rivers Yoga will be holding free Yoga Therapy Clinics for the public on Monday’s 9:00am - 1:30pm and Friday’s 12:00 3:00pm, beginning September 12th! Call us today to for more information, and to schedule a free, 45 minute introductory session. Sacred Rivers Yoga, 28 Main Street, East Hartford, CT www.SacredRiversYoga.com, facebook.com/sacredriversyoga 860.657.9545

Lawrence Ford Honored as Business Person of the Year

awrence Ford, Founder and CEO of Conscious Capital Wealth Management™, has been named Business Person of the Year by Peace Islands Institute, and recognized by Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy during the organization’s annual Friendship Dinner and Award Ceremony. Ford’s leadership style is representative of Peace Islands Institute’s mission of promoting education, friendship and harmony for all peoples in our society. During the event, Ford was very touched and remarked, “It feels good to stand in front of a crowd full of love.” Since 1989, Ford has helped more than 5,000 people achieve personal prosperity with a unique spiritual vision that he has brought to the Financial Investment Industry. He is currently developing a revolutionary Financial Advisory Service, which he hopes will be a model for the future. The exceptional support provided to his Clients focuses on helping people live their dreams by getting the most out of their financial assets and from life itself. Conscious Capital Wealth Management currently has offices in Glastonbury, Westbrook, and Westport, Conn. and St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Contact Heather Desjardins, Director of Client Experience, at hdesjardins@consciouscapitalwm.com, 381 Hubbard Street, Suite 300, Glastonbury, CT 860-659-8299. See ad on page 31.

Natural Nutmeg - October 2016

Preserving Fertility, Preserving Hope

By Joshua M. Hurwitz, MD ome of the most emotionally difficult conversations I have in my office on a weekly basis are those with patients who are diagnosed with cancer and come to me for fertility preservation. There is a psychological “double blow” hitting them all at once: not only is their cancer itself scary, but they are also worried that they will not be able to have children afterwards because chemotherapy and radiation – while life saving – can damage their sperm and eggs. Fertility preservation is a paramount concern for both men and women faced with cancer treatments. This is why it is important to tackle these difficult issues even in younger patients who are not planning to have children until the distant future. Cancer patients are understandably focused on their treatments, but fertility preservation should not be overlooked. Here are some common misconceptions and insights that often surprise patients and even some of my medical colleagues.

Timing Many people believe that the time required for fertility preservation procedures will delay cancer treatments and decrease their success. I am happy to say that this is not true; fertility preservation can be done within a day for men and within two weeks for women. This is done in conjunction with a patient’s cancer schedule with the blessings of their oncologist. Men and Fertility Preservation Like infertility in general, men and women have equal need for fertility preservation. Chemotherapy and radiation can permanently damage a man’s ability to make sperm afterwards. Some men regain the ability to make sperm in the years following their cancer treatments, but many never do, so it is critical to freeze, or cryopreserve, their sperm samples prior to initiating any treatments. Our dedicated team will schedule men to produce and freeze samples very quickly, even on weekends, when timing is critical. Women and Fertility Preservation Oocytes, or eggs, are extremely sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Making this problem even worse is that women have a finite number of eggs that must last a reproductive lifetime. The major concern is that cancer treatments will severely damage this egg supply making fertility very difficult or impossible afterwards. Women have three main options for fertility preservation. First, they can freeze their eggs ahead of time – termed oocyte cryopreservation. In this way women can preserve their fertility while also maintaining their reproductive autonomy if they are not in a committed relationship, because these eggs can be fertilized with any sperm

source in the future. Second, they can freeze embryos after their eggs are fertilized with their partner. Third, we can give them strong hormonal suppression medications during chemotherapy to hopefully protect their egg supply from the chemotherapy. This option is not foolproof and falls under the “can’t hurt, probably helps” category, whereas egg and embryo freezing present a much stronger, more reliable form of fertility preservation. Family-Building Options Even patients who have already completed their cancer treatments before coming to see me can still build their family. Not all patients lose their fertility entirely and still can conceive with the help of fertility treatments. Additionally, even those whose fertility has been severely compromised or lost can still avail themselves of donor sperm, donor eggs and even gestational carriers. There are many ways for a person to build his or her family, and we are here to help our patients find the best one for them individually. Fertility Treatments and Cancer Risk A very important topic is whether fertility treatments increase the risk of cancers. I am happy to report that many studies over many years have found NO LINK between fertility treatments and female breast, uterine or ovarian cancers. Recently, a scientific paper was published that found no increased risk of breast cancer among women who had undergone IVF treatments. (“Ovarian Stimulation for In Vitro Fertilization and Long-term Risk of Breast Cancer,” Alexandra W. van den Belt-Dusebout, et al; Journal of American Medical Association, July 19, 2016). This study is one of the largest and most comprehensive studies to date on this topic and confirmed our earlier research that showed similar findings. In summary, there are many excellent fertility preservation options for both men and women these days. They work very well, can fit into even the tightest cancer treatment timelines and give hope and future family-building options for all our patients. Dr. Hurwitz is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and senior partner at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT), which has offices in Stamford, Norwalk, Danbury and Trumbull. He also sees patients at an affiliate office in Poughkeepsie, NY. He has worked with hundreds of infertility patients and won numerous awards, including “Top Doctor” in New York magazine. In addition to his work with patients, he is also Division Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) services in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences of Danbury Hospital. To learn more about Dr. Hurwitz and fertility preservation, please go to www.rmact.com. See ad on page 33. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

The Beauty of Brussels Sprouts By Julie Wern

didn’t grow up eating Brussels sprouts. I guess this is a good thing because it seems many folks develop a prejudice against these adorable little cabbage buds because of bad experiences with them growing up. Usually this attitude is the result of unpleasant exposure to overcooked sprouts, which sadly, become bitter, sulfurous smelling, and overly soft. However, cooked just until tender, roasted quickly at high heat, or even eaten raw, Brussels sprouts have a way of winning over even the biggest skeptics. Brussels sprouts are a member of the brassica family, which includes cabbages, collards, kale, broccoli, and kohlrabi. This vegetable family has a reputation for imbuing important health benefits, and Brussels sprouts are no exception. Besides being loaded with vitamins and minerals, they are also low calorie, moderately high in fiber, and are believed to help prevent cancer. Brussels sprouts are named for Brussels, Belgium where they were popularized and may or may not have originated. The “sprouts” are edible buds that grow along thick stalks and are typically harvested once they have grown to size. The buds that grow on the bottom of the stalk are ready earlier than the buds at the top and are sometimes harvested off the stalk as they mature. Cut-off-the-stalk and fully mature is how they are often sold in supermarkets. However, if you can get sprouts still on the stalk, try them as they tend to be fresher. To harvest the buds, simply shave them off the stalk with a sharp knife Brussels sprouts can be eaten raw or cooked. Raw, they are particularly great thinly sliced so they “shred” and then prepare like a slaw. You can shred them by first prepping the sprout. Cut a bit off of the stem end and then remove the tough and often yellowed or browned outer leaves. To “shred”, slice each sprout from to top to bottom in very thin strips. However, it is much faster to shred Brussels for a crowd by using the slicing blade of a food processor. Once shredded, sprouts can be tossed with your favorite dressing and served raw, or can be quickly sautéed and used in any number of prepared dishes. For cooked preparations, Brussels sprouts are typically steamed, braised, blanched, roasted, or sautéed. There is some

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Maple and Pecans Serves 8 Ingredients: • 2 teaspoons unsalted grass fed butter or extra virgin olive oil • 1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced • About 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, halved and thinly sliced • 1/2 cup vegetable or reduced sodium chicken broth • 2 tablespoons maple syrup • 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/3 cup pecans, toasted and chopped In a small bowl, whisk broth, maple syrup, and mustard. Set aside. Heat butter or olive oil over medium-low heat until hot. Add onions and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Add Brussels sprout leaves. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add broth mixture; cook for 3-5 minutes more, stirring frequently, until liquid has almost evaporated and sprouts are crisp and tender but not overcooked. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with pecans and serve.

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Natural Nutmeg - October 2016

evidence that important vitamins and compounds are leached out when they are boiled. Steaming, sautéing and roasting should largely alleviate this issue. Because Brussels sprouts are tightly packed in the center, the edges cook faster than the middle when cooked whole. Thus it typically works best to halve or quarter larger prepped sprouts, trying to keep all pieces approximately the same size for even cooking. Try steaming quartered Brussels sprouts just until tender throughout, about 5 minutes. Then toss with your favorite vinaigrette or with browned butter. Alternatively, many people, like my family, are hooked on roasted sprouts. Toss halved or quartered sprouts with a bit of oil, salt and pepper and place in a hot oven (400 degrees). Brussels cook quickly and become delectably caramelized. Roasted sprouts are very versatile and can be added to almost any dish with success. Try putting them in quiches, frittatas, grain salads, on a pizza or in a pasta dish. You can also roast Brussels with winter squash or sweet potatoes for a nice fall mix. Another fun trick is to roast individual sprout leaves until crisp, making addictive little sprout “chips”. Dare to get creative with Brussels sprouts. Here are some flavor combinations that I find work especially well with this vegetable. • Mustard, maple, and pork (bacon, pancetta, ham, sausage, salami, prosciutto) • Fruit (apple, pear, raisin, grapes, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries or cherries) • Browned butter and Parmesan/Romano • Asian—sweet and sour, Thai or Vietnamese flavored salad dressing, or sesame oil and rice wine vinegar • Lemon and thyme • Honey, sage and nuts (pecans, chestnuts, walnuts) • Sweet potatoes or winter squash

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Brussels sprouts buds should be firm, tightly packed, and vivid green. Avoid yellow, soft, wilted buds. Sprouts will keep longer if left on the stalk. Wrap in plastic as best you can and store in the refrigerator. They should last about 1-2 weeks. Julie Wern is a psychologist turned stay-athome-mom turned caterer. She is currently in training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to become a nutrition and wellness coach. She is the author of Holcomb Farm CSA’s Simply Fresh blog (http://holcombfarm.org/blog) and currently teaches cooking and cookie decorating classes. Contact Julie at jwern@comcast.net for comments and inquiries.

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All Your Questions about Spirituality, Energy and Health Answered!

am grateful for the opportunity to help people experience the world I feel we are moving through and stepping into. This column is question and answer format to provide those interested, a chance to ask questions about spiritually, energetics, health and life and how it can all come together in a grounded, functional and applicable way, so the reader can navigate life with peace, joy and compassion in a world that is changing so fast. Every month I welcome you to submit your mind, body, spirit questions directly to me at questions.rondamico@gmail.com or through my website at www.rondamico.net. Q: Things seem to be changing faster than I have ever known. My stress level is out of control. I feel myself and most everyone around me constantly on edge. What is going on and how do I get through it all without feeling like I’m going crazy and taking it out on others? A: It is accurate to say that things are changing at an increasingly rapid rate. So much so that people are finding it more and more difficult to keep up with its pace and maintain any sense of grounding. Unfortunately, most of us just don’t have the tools and experience to navigate through both the internal (within our own bodies and being) and external (the physical world around us) landscape. The global media, volume and rate at which we are inundated with information of what is happening in the world around us as well as what we are able to access about our health is staggering. Add to this the impulse of people to capture virtually every moment of their lives in video or photo format, then share it through social media, is utterly mind boggling. This instant access feeds the increasingly addictive urge people have to be in a constant state of stimulation. There is also an increasing level of impatience and intolerance for how long it takes for most anything to happen, no matter what it is. Is it any wonder why we are finding it more and more challenging to feel any sense of peace, calm or true joy in our lives? With all of the different and ever expanding forms of technologies, we have created a world where we no longer have to feel anything for any length of time without being able to jump to the next thing. This gives us the ability to pull ourselves away from a feeling we don’t like to what we hope is something better. Because it is virtually impossible to be isolated or buffered from the world we have developed a coping behavior of distraction which is beginning to fail us. Instead of slowing down and taking the time to deeply and fully feel our life experiences we have chosen the path of the superficial, temporary, voluminous activity and stimulation and this choice is the single greatest reason we are in the state we are in. 14

Natural Nutmeg - October 2016

We have spent so much time developing our minds and egos, for mostly self-serving purposes, we have left the Soul and a Higher Way of Living in this world behind. There is nothing wrong with developing both the mind and the ego, but when their development is engaged at the expense of living with consideration of how it influences the direct and indirect connections to all of life around us, the world begins to move to a state of imbalance and progressive suffering. Once this occurs, our innate awareness is replaced by the logic, reason and the mental need to want or demand the environment to change so the outcome moves in a direction that makes us feel better, albeit temporary. This becomes self-perpetuating and the cycle of avoidance is created. Now the question is, how do we break the cycle of addictive avoidance? First, we begin by acknowledging that the way we are living in this world is simply not working and is either the cause of or a contributor to why we are feeling so stressed. If we can truly and sincerely take that in and honor that change must happen and begin within ourselves, we can begin to move in another direction. Then as we become more present things will slowly and continually change in our personal lives and then spread throughout the world. One of the simplest tools to help determine if we are out of alignment with our Soul is to recognize when we are making choices that increase our stress levels. Generally, if something is creating stress it is triggering an unresolved trauma (mental, physical, emotional or spiritual) that would be helpful to look into clearing. Once you become aware of what is bringing you out of your center, the next step is to focus on releasing the blockages and bring yourself back into alignment with your Soul. You can use the centering activity in a previous issue: http://naturalnutmeg.com/all-your-questions-aboutspirituality-energy-and-health-answered-4/. With a sincere willingness to not only relieve your stress but to truly change the way you are living in and seeing the world around you, the life you live will begin to feel more peace and joy-filled and your willingness to be in the world will change. Ron D’Amico has been supporting people in the field of holistic health for more than 25 years. He has grown to become an accurate and effective healer with his own developed forms of energy healing that support all levels of life - mind, body, spirit and soul. After many years of trying to resolve his own emotional and physical issues through traditional methods of medical care with little to no success, he began searching in the area of complimentary health. He realized that through a relationship of both worlds, deeper healing was truly possible. By addressing the mind, body, energetics, spirit and soul, the person is guided to become actively involved in their own healing journey. Ron D’Amico can be reached at info.rondamico@gmail. com. See ad on pg 21.

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Thyroid Hormone Dysfunction and Weight Loss By Frank Aieta, ND

hyroid dysfunction can occur at any age. If your level of production of this important hormone is too low, you gain weight. Any imbalance of your thyroid hormone can affect every metabolic function in your body. Your thyroid gland is your body’s regulator. It regulates energy and heat production, growth, tissue repair and development, and stimulates protein synthesis. Furthermore, thyroid hormone modulates carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, vitamin use, digestion, muscle and nerve action, blood flow, hormone excretion, oxygen utilization, and sexual function to list just some of its uses. The following excerpt from the recently released E-book: The Weight Loss Puzzle, Finally Solved! written by myself, Dr. Frank Aieta and Dr. Diane Hayden arms the reader with information on which essential lab tests should be run to evaluate how well their thyroid is functioning as well as typical signs and symptoms that one may exhibit if they are experiencing hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone production.) We will look at 5 tests total in conjunction with assessing some clinical signs and symptoms to determine just how well your thyroid gland is functioning…..so let’s get started! TSH: TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone. It’s actually not a thyroid hormone but a pituitary hormone that does exactly what the name implies; it stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Most doctors will simply look at this number by itself and if the patient falls within the large reference range of .27-4.5 mIU/L, they are considered “normal.” In my practice I use the person’s clinical signs and symptoms first and foremost and the lab values second to determine the status of a person’s thyroid 16

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function. The problem with just looking at lab values, especially one like TSH by itself, is that many times it can take a while before blood results catch up to the clinical signs and symptoms. This is typically the case when using the standard reference ranges that are actually based upon what we consider to be a population of mostly unhealthy people. When looking at the TSH number you need to know that the higher that number is, the more sluggish the thyroid is working and the lower the number the more optimal. The standard range will vary from lab to lab but typically is .274.5 mIU/L . The optimal range that I see in healthy patients is .27-1.5 mIU/L. Free T4 and Free T3: These are 2 separate tests but we will discuss both together. T4 is the dominant form of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland but it’s actually considered to be a storage form of thyroid hormone and is inactive until it gets converted in our tissues to T3. Looking at both of these values together is important in determining how well your thyroid hormones are functioning at the level of the cell. Our TSH level, as discussed above, is a pituitary hormone and its secretion is determined by how much actual thyroid hormone is floating around in the blood. The problem is that a person may have adequate amounts of T4 in their blood but may not be converting it over appropriately to the active form of T3. Once again, simply checking TSH levels in the absence of T4 and T3 can lead to improper assessment of your thyroid status. Ideal range for Free T4 is in the middle of the reference range and up, and ideal range for Free T3 is within the upper 75th percentile of the reference range. Reverse T3: This thyroid hormone needs to be analyzed along with Free T3. Reverse T3 is a blocking hormone that is produced

from T4 and actually slows down the metabolism. I tell my patients that T3 is like the body’s gas pedal and reverse T3 is like the brake pedal. We need to have a proper balance between these two hormones in order for our metabolism to function optimally. There are many factors that can contribute to elevated reverse T3 ranging from nutrient deficiencies to increased levels of stress hormones, inflammation and leptin. We will be discussing strategies throughout this book to address all of these potential factors that can lead to an inability to lose weight due to a compromised metabolism. Ideal range for reverse T3 is to look at the ratio between free T3 and reverse T3. The reference range that most labs give for reverse T3 is 8-25 ng/ dl and 2.3-4.2 pg/ml for free T3. As you can see both are in different units of measure so what I do is move the decimal point of the free T3 ranges and make them 23-42 then assess the ratio between free T3/reverse T3. The ideal ratio is 2:1 or greater. This ratio tends to correlate very closely to the person’s clinical signs and symptoms which we will cover shortly. Thyroid antibodies (thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies):This is the last of the thyroid tests that I typically recommend. The presence of either antibody in the blood is an indication of an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid called Hashimoto’s disease. If antibodies are being made to the thyroid, they can stop thyroid hormone from attaching to your thyroid receptors. Consequently, you can get symptoms of decreased thyroid function even when your blood levels are adequate. Thyroid antibodies can be elevated due to trauma, poor digestive function, infection, inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, and thyroid degeneration. Once we get into the diet and supplements section, we will discuss strategies to help lower or even eliminate the presence of these antibodies. Optimal range for both should be zero. As I stated above, it’s important to run the proper lab testing to assess your thyroid function to determine your metabolism, but identifying clinical signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism takes precedence since they may present far sooner than it would in the blood. Identifying and properly treating thyroid dysfunction is just another piece of the weight loss puzzle that needs to be solved. The rest of the E-book has chapters on diet, exercise, dietary supplements, mindset, sleep and stress management that will guide the reader along the rest of their journey in solving their own weight loss puzzle.

Dr. Frank Aieta is a board-certified and licensed Naturopathic Physician with a private practice in West Hartford, Conn. He specializes in the treatment of disease, using natural therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, spinal manipulation, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine and natural hormone balancing. For more information please visit www.draieta.com. See ad on page 41.

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Cranial Therapy & Holistic Physical Therapy for Concussions and Sports Injuries By Ayelet Connell, PhD, PT, IMT,C

ave you ever felt completely helpless after one of your children incurs a sports injury or after you have injured yourself? We have all heard the phrase, “time heals all wounds,” and sometimes this is actually true. But often, time is not enough. In the case of concussion head injuries, the most common recommendation is to stop all media and rest until symptoms disappear. But for so many people suffering from acute and chronic concussion injuries, this is not enough. Fortunately, there are gentle therapies that you can use to support the head and central nervous system that may speed up healing of these tissues and help the person feel better faster. Cranial Therapy Cranial Therapy, commonly practiced by Holistic Physical Therapists, is a gentle hands-on therapy that can augment the health and regeneration of the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. It corrects tension patterns in the head and strengthens the cranial rhythm, which can reduce many different symptoms, including headaches and learning challenges as well as behavioral disorders. It can be an important component of a treatment program for individuals suffering from concussion head injuries. It can be used for a variety of related issues, including headaches, hypersensitivity to light and sound, attention deficit, tinnitus, aggressive behaviors, and so much more. The cranial system houses our brain. Within the cranium, there is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which nourishes the brain and provides immune support and layers of tissue, called meninges, that surround the brain and protect it from trauma and infection. For many years, the traditional medical community believed that the sutures (joints) of the cranium solidified at a young age and no longer moved. We’ve since learned that using very gentle Cranial Therapy techniques, movement can be felt on the head. This movement is called a motility. Motilities or biologic rhythms are movements that represent the physiologic health of specific tissues and systems. One example of a motility is our pulse, which reflects the health of our arterial system. Feeling the pulse on different parts of the body provides us with information about the circulatory health of that part of our body. There are many different motilities that can be felt on the body. Holistic Physical Therapists practicing Cranial Therapy will monitor a patient’s cranial rhythm as part of the therapy. 18

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Cranial Therapy can be used to treat many issues related to a head injury. For example, one commonly found pattern is ringing in the ears. Within the inner ear, there are multiple important structures for hearing, including the cochlea, ear drum, vestibular nerve, and more. When combined into the vestibular mechanism, these structures are not much larger than a peanut. They reside inside the ear, bordering the temporal bone. When there is severe compression which is common with a head injury, this peanut sized vestibular mechanism within the inner ear pushes up against the temporal bone. This can contribute to significant hypersensitivity to sound as well. Using cranial therapy, a therapist can decompress the inner ear which can lead to reduced symptoms at the ear. Dealing with severe cranial/head symptoms adds a lot of stress to the body. Cranial Therapy specifically addresses the central nervous system and can reduce overall stress. Cranial Therapy does not need to replace another part of the treatment program but can be a wonderful addition to promote brain health. Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) for Concussion-related Headaches Headaches and migraines are common symptoms following concussion injuries. These types of injuries typically cause the spine to be out of alignment. Often, when someone experiences regular headaches, including severe migraine headaches, it is largely because of poor alignment of the spine following one or multiple injuries. One successful way of improving the health and posture of our body is with Integrative Manual Therapy or IMT. IMT is a type of gentle hands-on bodywork performed by some Physical Therapists, Massage Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Chiropractors that are specially trained in this type of therapy. When the spine is out of alignment, one thought would be to mobilize it back into a normal neutral position by using traditional Chiropractic or Physical Therapy. But this does not always work. Sometimes there are underlying factors for why the spine is out of alignment; consider the concept of a protective mode. When there is something in the body that is injured or weak, the body will commonly limit movement or mobility around that area ‘on purpose’ so that we don’t make the injured area worse by moving. Following a concussion head injury, the body will often ‘lock-up’ and limit spinal

movement because the brain is in a weakened state and there is injury to the internal tissues of the head and neck. Though the low back will often go into a protective mode, this can cause considerable neck and head symptoms. Most of our body’s movement stems from the low back. When the low back locks up, movement in our entire body is limited. This limitation of movement can contribute to headaches as well as neck and upper back stiffness and pain.

complex and remarkable in the way that it ‘works’. In this case, the concept of a protective mode makes a lot of sense. Our bodies have a great capacity for healing. Equally, when our body is injured and we need to ‘function’, we have a great ability to compensate and protect ourselves. By improving the health of our body through body work we can feel better and return to a lifestyle that is unencumbered by headaches and other head injury related issues.

IMT can be very successful in identifying underlying reasons for why we are locked up in our spine. The IMT therapist is trained to find these areas and implement gentle, hands-on techniques to improve the health of these areas by promoting circulation to the area and drainage from the region, reducing tissue tension at the region and health of the injured tissues. By creating greater health in the protected area, the body requires less protection and the locked up area of the spine begins to loosen. At this point, as the spine is gently mobilized, there are more long-lasting results in movement and pain, including a reduction in headaches.

Dr. Ayelet Connell, PhD, PT, IMT,C is President and owner of Integrative Wellness & Physical Therapy in Bloomfield CT, a wellness center offering Physical Therapy, Integrative Manual Therapy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, and nutritional wellness. Ayelet is a natural health expert and has written and published many articles on the subject. She is a Physical Therapist and Certified Integrative Manual Therapist and has taught courses all over the world in Holistic Physical Therapy. Ayelet is also a local of this community and has been living in the Greater Hartford area for many years, where she integrates a healthy lifestyle at home with her wonderful family. See ads on page 23 and 26.

The idea of treating the low back to reduce headaches may seem odd. We can consider the old children’s song, which has passed through the ages: “the neck bone’s connected to the head bone…” The body is

The Weight Loss Puzzle, Finally Solved!

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“I am no longer a diabetic, have normal blood pressure and plan on continuing my present lifestyle forever. 9 months ago when I first saw Dr. Aieta I was a 49 year old man who felt 80, now I’m a 49 year old man that feels 29.... I just can’t understand why the so called expert in the field of diabetes (my endocrinologist) had no clue how to treat me, he just knew how to put me on more useless medication instead of getting to the root of the problem like Dr. A.” ~Marcus C. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Can You Rewrite Your Story About By Juliette Taylor

here is nothing that strikes fear into the hearts and minds of all of us like the word cancer. The Big C. It doesn’t matter if it is our diagnosis, that of a family member, a friend, a co-worker, an acquaintance, or even a pet. Fear. The Big F. The two go hand in hand. When we hear someone has been diagnosed with cancer, we think, what if it were me? And if it is our diagnosis, with fear comes thoughts of death. And what do we fear more than death? Change. And death is the ultimate change. I’m going to take a step back and explain something I learned about fear. The physical sensations of fear are actually the same as the anticipation of excitement. Take the example of two people waiting in line for a rollercoaster. One is super excited about getting closer to the station to onboard. Every time she sees the rollercoaster start up the hill she gets a rush. Her palms get a little sweaty, her heart rate increases and her stomach does a flip. And what’s happening in her mind? She is replaying all the times she had fun on a rollercoaster. She is reinforcing the physical sensation with an imprint of a story – a perception – a belief. Now what about the other person? She is getting more and more anxious as she gets closer in line. Her palms get sweaty, her heart races, her stomach does a flip. What’s different? She looks at the rollercoaster going up the hill and she thinks of all the stories of tragedies that she has heard of in which a rollercoaster has flipped off the track, gotten stuck at the top, or even worse someone plummeting to their death. I know the scenario here because I get like that in line and my daughter is jumping up and down screeching how fun it’s going to be when we sit at the top teetering a bit back and forth and then the rush of the rapid descent. I know. What I didn’t know was that my physical sensation was the same as my daughter’s. What was different was the story I had attached to the sensation. And every time I felt that sensation neuropathways knew just what to do. Grab a fear package and add the story. A horrible story. Create a scary story I can grab onto and my mind will do it; the neuropathway will be reinforced. And every time I do this the groove will get a little deeper, like a rut on the side of the road. The more rain, the more water. The more water flow, the deeper the groove. The deeper the groove, the faster you’ll get stuck and the longer you may stay. It’s the same with perceptions, which are our personal beliefs. As I was writing this article I was thinking about Dr. Bruce Lipton and his work in Epigenetics. He describes epigenetics as, “the study of inherited changes in phenotype (appearance) or gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence.” 20

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Dr. Lipton continues by stating that, “Medicine does miracles but is limited to trauma. The AMA protocol is to regard our physical body like a machine in the same way that an auto mechanic regards a car. When the parts break, you replace them. The problem is that while they have an understanding that the mechanism isn’t working, they’re blaming the vehicle for what went wrong. They believe that the vehicles, in this case our bodies, are controlled by genes. But guess what? They don’t take into consideration that there’s actually a driver in that car. The new science, epigenetics, reveals that the vehicles – or the genes – aren’t responsible for the breakdown. It’s the driver.” www.brucelipton.com/resource/article/epigenetics Dr. Lipton admits that, “It used to be that we thought a mutant gene caused cancer. But with epigenetics, all of that has changed.” In one experiment he divided cells and placed them in varying environments. He concluded that, “If cells are in a healthy environment, they are healthy. If they’re in an unhealthy environment, they get sick.” Then he took the results further. With cancer, “Here’s the connection: with fifty trillion cells in your body, the human body is equivalent of a skin-covered petri dish. Moving your body from one environment to another alters the composition of the ‘culture medium’ the blood. The chemistry of the body’s culture medium determines the nature of the cell’s environment within you. The blood’s chemistry is largely impacted by the chemicals emitted from your brain. Brain chemistry adjusts the composition of the blood based on your perceptions of life. So this means that your perceptions of any given thing, at any given moment, can influence the brain chemistry, which in turn, affects the environment where your cells reside and controls their fate. In other words, your thoughts and perceptions have a direct and overwhelmingly significant effect on cells.” Bam! Your perceptions of any given thing, at any given moment, can influence the brain chemistry, which, in turn, affects the environment where your cells reside and controls their fate. As an intuitive healer I know this. As a shamanista (modern day shaman) I work with changing perceptions. I coach. I have always known that my perceptions created my reality. What I didn’t know was that it was every time in every way. There is hope. Breakthrough the fear and begin by taking the beliefs you have and distilling the stories that frame those beliefs. Most likely they are based on someone else’s view and if not they’re based on fear of what would happen if you didn’t see the world the way you do. We can heal mind, body, and soul. And it all starts with waking up and being consciously aware of our thoughts.

Fear is a guide post to change. And change may be what we really fear because as we change, the world around us changes, our own reality changes and with that our lives. Back to the rollercoaster. I think of my daughter’s face when I’m in line and the fear sensations have turned to triggers of excitement and that excitement gets stored as a story of love for my daughter, an experience worth repeating. I had to actively change the story and the beliefs underlying the sensations. Where do you have a story that may need to be changed? What belief do you have that may not be true? How can you change it? (Hint: notice your body and the sensations in it. That action can be a life saver-mind, body, and soul.) To read more: visit www.juliettetaylor.com/blog.

Juliette Taylor is here to help you find your path. Your path to cups-of-coffee-on-theveranda-in-the-silence-of-the-morning kind of happiness. Your path to unrelenting joy. To contentment that’s contagious and spreads from the ends of your locks to the core of your soul. Her LifesPath approach is a comprehensive path to health, wealth, happiness, and love and that’s why she created it for you. Guiding hundreds of clients to breakthrough, they have blasted through their blocks, disproved their limiting beliefs, shed their stories holding them back, and found their core to live the lives they want to wake up to each morning. Juliette is taking on new clients for coaching and readings. For more information, please visit: www.juliettetaylor.com. See ad on inside cover.

Ron D’Amico, LLC

Center for Integrative Healing and Education HOLISTIC HEALING , SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE AND TEACHINGS FOR MIND , BODY , SOUL & SPIRIT

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Unhealthy Gut Bacteria Can Cause Weight Gain

By Jane Grant, RD f you have been struggling to maintain or lose weight it may be because the bacteria living inside your gut are out of balance. What we eat affects our gut bacteria and can cause weight gain or weight loss resistance. In fact your weight may be controlled more by your bacteria than what you eat because gut bacteria thrive on what you feed them.

Until recently, it was assumed that these bacteria (our microbiome) didn’t do much. But now there is a growing body of research suggesting that the 100 trillion bacteria – about three pounds – living inside our gut play a huge role in our health and disease. The good bacteria in our gut flora promotes normal gastrointestinal function, provides protection from infection, regulates metabolism and comprises more than 75% of our immune system. Researchers believe an over growth of bad gut bacteria plays a big factor with the metabolic diseases that plague us today such as Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Exactly how the microbiome influences our weight isn’t known yet, but many researchers believe that it plays a role in processing food and helps determine how many calories and nutrients are absorbed. Certain intestinal microbes may also alter our insulin levels influencing the way fat is metabolized in our body. It’s complicated and we have much more to learn about this extremely complex system living inside us. We don’t have enough hard facts to make specific recommendations on weight loss probiotic (live bacteria that are good for our health) supplements. There are literally thousands of different strains of bacteria and they interact

with each other in ways we don’t understand. Therefore, probiotic supplements that claim to promote weight loss are premature. What we do know is that our dietary habits can have a dramatic impact on the mix of beneficial and harmful bacteria in our gut. What we eat dictates the kind of bacteria we grow in our gut. Here are some simple steps you can take to support a healthy gut – inside and out. 1. Omit processed and refined foods. A diet that’s high in highly processed, high-sugar, high-fat, and low-fiber diets significantly alters the bacteria that generally grows in our digestive tracts, and the change has been linked to weight gain and diabetes. These types of food feeds the undesirable gut bacteria to thrive. 2. Avoid sugar. Sugar feeds the undesirable gut bacteria as well. Studies have shown that a diet high in sugar can lead to overgrowth of yeast species and other pathogenic bacteria. For the good bacteria to thrive, they require complex carbohydrates like vegetables, beans, and whole grains – not sugar. When you get too many calories from sugar – the average person eats more than 22 teaspoons a day – the good bacteria will go hungry and eventually die off allowing for an overgrowth of the bad bacteria. Stick with whole foods as much as possible and skip sugary, highly processed junk food. 3. Eat more fiber. Eating fibrous plant foods is an important strategy for improving the robustness of gut bacteria. These plants provide the raw material to feed the bacteria through a process called fermentation. The diversity and number of plants you eat will be reflected in the diversity and number of bacteria in your gut; the more the better. Aim for at least 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day; two to three servings of fruit, four to six servings of veggies, two to three servings of whole grains, nuts and beans several times a week. 4. Embrace fermented foods. Fermented foods provide probiotics. Greek yogurt and kefir, a tangy dairy drink that’s packed with healthy bugs, are a good start. Look for products that say “live and active cultures” on the label, and avoid those with added sugar that can feed undesirable bacteria. Other probiotic powerhouses include naturally fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles; they contain both live bacteria and prebiotics (see below) that nourish gut bacteria.

Natural Nutmeg - October 2016

5. Include prebiotic foods. Prebiotics are a type of soluble fiber found in certain plant foods that act as “food” for probiotics. They are like fertilizer helping probiotics grow and flourish in your gut. Prebioticcontaining foods include Jerusalem artichoke, garlic, leek, asparagus, and banana. Eat some type of prebiotic food every day. 6. Be particular with your meat. A diet heavy in factory farmed animal protein feeds a type of bacteria called Bilophilia that has been linked to inflammation in animal studies; and chronic inflammation is a major contributor to obesity. If you are a meat-lover choose grass-fed beef because they are a good choice of omega-3 fats which helps lower inflammation levels and promotes healthier gut bacteria. 7. Change the type of fats you are using. The type of fats we eat matters. Studies have shown omega-6 fats actually promote the growth of bad bacteria in the gut like canola oil, soybean oils and seed oils. Replace these oils that are high in healthy omega-3 fats like coconut oil, avocados, grass-fed butter, fish rich in omega-3’s and extra virgin olive oil giving healthy gut bacteria a chance to flourish. Changing your dietary habits can help normalize gut function and flora. Jane Grant, Registered Dietician, CD-N at Grant’s Nutrition & Wellness in Berlin, works in conjunction with the practitioners at ProNatural Physicians Group also in Berlin. Health Insurance covers many of the practitioners, including Jane Grant. Check with your own plan for specific coverages. For appointments call Grants Nutrition at 860357-2282 and 860-829-0707 for ProNatural Physicians Group. http://grantsnutrition.com/ www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 31.

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Has Breast Cancer Touched Your Life? By Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BC s women, breast cancer is a part of our lives. It has been a part of my life since my mother had her first scare with it back when I was a teenager, and subsequently when both my grandmothers passed away from it. Helping women who have struggled with it, and men who have experienced losses because of it, has also been a part of my practice for over a decade.

The shadow of cancer is a part of every annual physical and gynecological exam when, because of my family history, my well intentioned doctors stress the importance of mammography and their displeasure about my choice to use thermography instead. (In spite of mounting evidence that mammography may in fact be doing more harm than good because of radiation and the unhealthy fears it creates.) If we’re not careful about what we decide to allow in, it will become a nagging fear that lives in the back of our minds. Nagging fears are not good things for our bodies, as our bodies head in the direction of dominant thought. If our dominant thoughts are ones of health, those are healing and strengthening for our bodies. If they’re thoughts of fear, cancer and death, those are not healthy for our bodies, as proven time and time again in Placebo and Nocebo research that’s been done over the years. Placebo: positive results as a result of positive expectation Nocebo: negative results as a result of negative expectation As a hypnotist, I’m hyperaware of language and how our subconscious minds process language. What people say, especially what our doctors say because they’re the “experts”, become thoughts. Repetitive thoughts become beliefs and beliefs become emotions. Both of which express in our bodies. In the case of mammography and breast cancer there is growing evidence that false positives may create a belief in the minds of some women that they have cancer, and because they believe they have cancer their bodies begin to express that belief in physical form. Researchers say the 10-year risk of breast cancer was: • 39% higher in women with false-positive results with a recommendation for more imaging • 76% higher in women with false-positive results with a recommendation for biopsy as compared to women with negative results. Hypnosis Can Help With Prevention 1. Hypnosis can literally clear any and all fears that you have about breast cancer, cancer in general, sickness and death. All fears start as thoughts, which over time become beliefs that then in turn generate the emotion of fear. In the book, The Biology of Belief, Dr. 24

Natural Nutmeg - October 2016

Bruce Lipton explains how fear affects the body. Specifically how it affects the membrane of our cells which are actually the brains of our cells as compared to the nucleus, which is where our DNA is stored. According to Lipton, the environments that our cells are in, both external and internal, affect our health more than our DNA. In my case this is great news. Just because both my grandmothers succumbed to breast cancer does not mean that I will because I am not them. My life and thought environments are different than theirs were and as such I can influence my state of health vs. being victim to my DNA. In the book, “You Can Heal Your Life,” Louise Hay helps us understand what thoughts/beliefs might be at the root of our dis-ease. In the case of breast cancer, she has noticed, as have I, a consistent pattern in women who suffer with this diagnosis which is the inability to say “No”. The breast represents nourishment and can become unhealthy in those who nourish everyone else and do not nourish themselves and/or feel guilty about taking care of themselves over others. 2. If you’re a people pleaser, and drain yourself trying to pump up others, hypnosis can help. It can help you understand where this pattern of putting yourself last started, and can help you understand that you are just as worthy and deserving of care as all others. That it’s OK, in fact healthy, for you to take care of yourself first and then others, and that you are the only one who can truly take care of you, no one else can do it. It can also help you understand that the major teaching you’re here to share is that we all have the ability to take care of ourselves once we’re out of infancy. Teaching someone else, namely our children, how to care for themselves is far more powerful than us taking care of them. Teaching a man to fish is far more valuable than handing a man a fish. 3. Reducing or eliminating sugar intake. Patrick Quillin, PHD, RD, CNS, former director of nutrition for Cancer Treatment Centers of America wrote, “It puzzles me why the simple concept ‘sugar feeds cancer’ can be so dramatically overlooked as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan.” Cancer cells love sugar! That is why refined carbohydrates like white sugar, white flour, high fructose corn syrup, alcohol and soft drinks are extremely dangerous for anyone trying to prevent or reverse cancer. Hypnosis can completely alleviate cravings for all such sugary foods and drinks completely, and in many cases in a single session. 4. Boost your immune system. Sugar amongst other things, such as stress, can negatively affect the strength of the immune system. The subconscious mind, which is the part of the mind that’s accessed during hypnosis can easily identify and clear any blocks that are in the way of your immune system functioning at its peak performance. When our immune system is strong it can detect bacteria, viruses or rogue cells that should not be in our systems, as well as help the body rebalance and heal.

These are all preventative measures. Should you be someone who’s been diagnosed with breast cancer, hypnosis can help you in a number of ways as well. Hypnosis Can Help With Intervention 1. Your subconscious mind can help your conscious mind understand the origin of the cancer. I know that sounds far-fetched, but it’s true. Everything, even cancer, has a beginning. Whether that beginning was a thought, a belief, an emotion, an event or a toxin, the subconscious mind knows. And once the origin is known it can be addressed vs. being a mystery. If it is a belief or a fear that can be changed and cleared and once the energy at the origin of the disease is gone, the energy of the dis-ease itself is weakened and easier to treat. Remember, quantum physics proves that everything is energy, even cancer.

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2. Clear the natural fear and panic that comes with a cancer diagnosis. When we’re in a state of fear it’s very difficult to think straight and make the decisions that need to be made about the best course of treatment. We can often feel pressured by the medical community or by friends or family, which doesn’t make it any easier. Hypnosis can lift you out of the cancer chaos and help you very clearly see the pros and cons of different options and make decisions that feel right vs. those that just seem to make logical sense. 3. Preparation for treatments. If you do decide to go with the conventional treatments of biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy, radiation or chemotherapy, hypnosis can

help by preparing you for surgery or treatments so that you’re going in with a positive and confident mindset vs. a state of fear and apprehension. Research studies also prove that hypnosis can help mitigate side effects including nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, stress, anxiety and hot flashes. Lastly, hypnosis can help, if you’re grieving the loss of a loved one from this disease. Whether she was a beloved grandmother, mother, wife or daughter, hypnosis can help lift your grief and help you move forward and live a full and happy life. Your subconscious, otherwise known as your inner physician and spiritual counselor, can help you navigate this challenge and even find the valuable lessons that you’re intended to learn from it and yes, even a silver lining or two.

Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BC is the owner, lead hypnotist and hypnosis instructor at Mind Matters Hypnosis Centers in Avon, Rocky Hill, Guilford and North Branford, CT. She is Board Certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists and has numerous additional certifications in all aspects of hypnosis and the subconscious. In addition, she’s a sought-after lecturer and high-level Executive Hypno-Coach. For more information or to schedule a lecture, workshop or appointment, call Mind Matters Hypnosis Center at (860) 693-6448 or visit MindMattersHypnosis.com. See ad on page 19.

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Self-Healing with Singing Bowls By Priscilla Gale “Healing is the state of coming into balance and harmony with our highest purpose.” - Steve Halpern

f given the opportunity, the body is genetically pre-programmed to be a self-healing instrument. We all hold within our bones, blood, emotional and etheric bodies the harmonious vibrational memory that is the organizational patterning for perfect health. At the very heart of each of us is a unique complex set of wave forms and resonance that defines everything we are, everything we do and everything we have the potential to be. Just as no two sets of fingerprints are the same, no two people vibrate at the same frequency. We all are unique as is the essential vibration of our individual lives. Every organ and body part creates a natural resonant frequency in harmony with the rest of the body when it is healthy. Everything that moves vibrates; from the smallest molecule to the universe itself. Sound vibration is “heard’ through every cell in the body, helping us to come into resonance with our deepest nature. When the vibration of a part of the body is out of harmony, we have dis-ease. Once we have dis-ease, a different sound pattern is established in that affected part of the body. Sound, when projected into the dis-eased area, corrects and restores the harmonic patterns. One type of sound therapy is Singing Bowls. There are two types of Singing Bowls: Crystal Singing Bowls and Himalayan Singing Bowls (sometimes mistakenly called Tibetan Singing Bowls.) Singing Bowls are excellent carriers of the Universe used to make the universe around us attach our consciousness to sound. In the words of the great Tibetan Master/Bodhisattva Gwalwa Karmapa, “the Singing Bowls of Tibet emit the ‘sound of the void,’ the sound of the universe manifesting. So Himalayan Singing Bowls are believed to vibrate at what is traditionally recognized as the frequency of perfection, otherwise known as the Sanskrit mantra “OM.” When Himalayan Singing Bowls entrain with our brainwaves to create a sympathetic response with the perfect vibration of “OM”, then the healing process has begun. Stress, distractions, illness and the challenges of everyday life disconnect us from our core essence creating dis-ease spiritually, physically and mentally. The harmonic resonance of the bowls literally pull us back, gently nudging our consciousness back to our natural state of blissful tranquility and health, into a more natural universal rhythmic and energetic flow. Both the Crystal Singing Bowls and Himalayan Singing Bowls create vibrations that the human body responds to at the crystalline level. Our bodies are largely comprised of water and crystal, water being liquid crystal. Vibrations of both sets of bowls hit the bone structure first as the body is an instrument which has air spaces within it. When Himalayan Singing Bowls are placed next to or on

the body, the vibrational signature of the bowls initialize our parasympathetic nervous system which naturally supports the increase of disease fighting immune cells transmitted directly into our blood, organs and cellular memory. Clinical studies have also shown that singing bowls trigger endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. Crystal Singing Bowls, because they are made from quartz crystal have many physical properties, amplifying, transforming, storing, focusing and transferring energy. Crystal Singing Bowls resonate crystalline vibration, aligning with the body’s personal vibration. They are sine waves that go through solid matter, working in all layers of the body’s vibrational resonance as well as through bones, muscles, organs, blood cells, all of which responds to the awakened pleasant memory of health, thus helping the body to get back to resonance and balance. With balanced resonation, blood circulation is supported as well as is the metabolism. Because Crystal Singing Bowls are sine waves, they have a more directed penetrating vibration. Each crystal bowl is tuned to the exact frequency of the 7 major notes of the ‘C’ Major diatonic scale as are the 7 energy centers of the human auric body, our chakras. Science has shown that every vibrational frequency creates not only a tone, but a color as well. Similarly, our chakras not only have tones, but each has a color that falls within a rainbow spectrum of light. So both color and sound each form energy that vibrates. As carriers of the universe, Singing Bowls can carry and transmit the universal life force energy of Reiki. When the life-force energy within a person is restricted, the vibrational frequency/tones are altered creating a different sound/note not within the body’s natural state. As Reiki is life force energy, when in combination with the singing bowls, it enhances and intensifies the healing process by restoring wholeness, correcting, deepening and amplifying the harmonic balance throughout the physical, mental and emotional whole self, creating a symphony of health and vibrancy. Priscilla Gale, a retired opera singer, is a Reiki Master Teacher of three traditions, a Blue Moon Isis Master Teacher, a Reconnective Healing Practitioner, Consciousness Bars Practitioner, Magnified Healing Practitioner, Crystal Singing Bowls Practitioner and holds a Masters Certification in Himalayan Singing Bowls. She is also an ordained minister in the Universal Brotherhood Movement. Priscilla travels extensively throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire teaching workshops on both types of singing bowls, Reiki training classes as well as public offerings of singing bowl meditations. Private Healing Sessions are available by appointment. www.SacredSongReiki.com SacredSongReiki@yahoo.com, (978) 897-8846. See ad on page 31. www.NaturalNutmeg.com

Breast Cancer: The Integrative Connection By Kenneth Hoffman, DAOM , L.Ac., CCH hose scary words that any woman would fear to hear: Breast Cancer. Breast cancer is a serious condition striking 1 in 8 women. There will be an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 61,000 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. In 2016, there are more than 2.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment. So there is a good likelihood that you know someone who has had breast cancer.

The word cancer itself conjurs up many different views. After working with many women in my integrative practice over the last 15 years, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand how confusing and frightening it can be. However, in an integrative clinic, we look for the hope and promise of what is possible and how the human body can handle this assault. I have found that information is power and understanding is comforting, something that many conventional medical practices have forgotten. We know that a person’s outlook is as important to a positive outcome of healing as the treatment itself. Understanding How Cancer Occurs Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells. Each tissue in our body has different cells that have different instructions and are programmed to act and behave in a certain way. Each cell contains the DNA that holds this programming. As needed, our bodies will sometimes make new cells to replace old ones or repair damage. To do this, a cell makes an extra copy of all its DNA and then splits into two new cells. Depending on the types of cells, some are replaced rapidly like skin and other slowly like bone. Normally when a cell splits, there are protective checks that happen to make sure that the DNA has been copied correctly and the new cells have everything they need to work properly. If a mistake is found, the cells die. This is called apoptosis. However, if these safety checks fail, the new cells may survive with mistakes in them. Sometimes, a mistake in DNA (known as a mutation) might not cause any problems. However, sometimes this mistake leads to a cell continuing to make new cells which will grow into a mass known as a tumor. Since, the new cells are not recognized for destruction they can continue to grow unchecked. In fact, the body systems, seeing new cell growth actually treats tumor cells as normal and will begin to develop a secondary blood supply to“feed”the new cells, thinking 28

Natural Nutmeg - October 2016

they are needed by the body. This is known as angiogenesis or new blood vessel growth. So the biggest challenge with cancer is that it is normal cells behaving abnormally but the body doesn’t understand or know this. A Few Common Misconceptions about Breast Cancer 1. Breast Cancer is a genetic disease. The fact is only about 5% of all breast cancers are genetic. The higher risks are related to diet, lifestyle, illness, hormone issues, stress and environmental toxins. 2. Breast cancer is NOT preventable. According to the American Cancer Society, 60% of all breast cancers are environmentally related. This means through detoxification and reduction of exposure to estrogens and other lifestyle changes, you can significantly lower your risks. Since family history is such a low percentage of all cancers, we know there are numerous lifestyle and environmental links to the development of breast cancer. 3. A normal mammogram means there is no cancer. While the mammogram is still valuable for detecting cancer, it is important to know that most breast cancers take 8-10 years to develop. That means that while you may have had years of negative mammograms, there may be microscopic cells growing that will need to get to a significant size before they will be picked up in your annual screening. There are other tools for screening that can improve on the results of a mammogram, alone. 4. Mammograms are harmless. There are clearly risks from mammography that are rarely discussed and not well known by doctors. A recent 700-page report issued by the National Academy of Science confirms what we already know, that cumulative exposure to radiation poses serious health risks. Another study published in 2004 showed that the radiation exposure risk from mammograms may be 5 times higher than previously thought. This means that annual mammogram screening between ages 40-50 years old may increase one’s risk by 50%. This is why the US Preventative Services Task Force moved away from recommending annual mammograms for screening in 2009 to reduce women’s exposure. Again, mammograms save lives so we have to evaluate the risk vs. the value. Prevention of Breast Cancer From my viewpoint, prevention is key. This is also affirmed by Sloane Kettering Cancer Institute and other conventional centers, in theory. As stated, the American Cancer Society agrees that 60% of all breast cancers are environmentally induced and can be avoided. Yet, the funding for prevention of breast cancer is very low. According to an article in Sierra Magazine called Cancer, Inc. the authors

conclude that of the billions of dollars spent on cancer, of every $100 dollars spent, $99 is spent on research regarding treatment while $1.00 is spent on prevention. So, if you are diagnosed with breast cancer, there is innovative cutting edge treatment, however, information on prevention is harder to come by. Reducing Your Risk of Breast Cancer As an integrative doctor, certainly, I would much rather prevent a disease. And while there are no guarantees, there is much you can do to reduce your risks of cancer: 1. Significantly reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance in the body’s biological system’s ability to readily detoxify and to repair damage to cells. If this normal process is disturbed it can cause toxic effects through the production of peroxides and free radicals that damage all components of the cell, including proteins, lipids, and DNA. We are surrounded by oxidation producers including chemicals, pesticides, pollution, fluoridated water, medication, emotional stress just to name a few. So avoiding and eliminating these stressors from the body is critical. 2. Increase the body’s antioxidant load. Our body can handle a certain amount of oxidative stress through our antioxidant system. These are substances within our body that inhibit oxidation and free radical damage such as vitamin C and betacarotene. We increase our antioxidants when we eat whole, organic foods, drink clean water and exercise to remove toxic waste and circulate the body fluids through actively moving.

Screening Tools for Breast Cancer The existing screening programs for cancer and especially breast cancer are lacking. There are a variety of screenings in addition to the biannual mammogram that can detect early risk. This includes: salivary hormone testing to look for proper balance of estrogen and progesterone, urine metabolite tests to detect excessive estrogen production and medical infrared thermography to name a few. When it comes to thermography screening, I am a big supporter based on having conducted and researched the technology for over 15 years. Many women are confused about what it can and cannot do for them. Doctors have no idea how this technology has improved over the last 2 decades and most dismiss it because they do not understand how it is used as screening tool. It is by no means a substitute for a mammogram. However, if you are interested in looking at a non–invasive, inexpensive screening tool that could give you information to be used in an integrative medical clinic, thermography is worth a look. Medical Infrared Thermography is a camera that can detect the infrared radiation that is projected by the human body. There are predictable patterns that this camera

can image. It can then detect any risks by seeing inflammation that may indicate angiogenesis or the new blood vessel growth that I discussed earlier. For over 20 years, Medical Infrared Thermography has been extensively studied and the overwhelming results concur that as a screening tool, Thermography has over a 90% predictive value of future breast issues. One of the clearest studies tracked a group of 1527 women with initially normal mammograms and physical exams but abnormal thermograms for 12 years. The study was stopped after only 5 years because 60% of the women had already developed malignancies. Medical Infrared Thermography does not replace the mammogram. Mammography and thermography are two totally different tools. While mammography can evaluate structures in the breast, thermography evaluates the activity that may indicate risks. In some studies, the combination of both screening tools provided a 99% predictive indicator of breast disease. The FDA has recognized thermography as an adjunct to mammography. I feel that thermography gives a picture of breast health that mammography may not and it does it safely and effectively. However, diagnostically, mammography has its rightful place.

3. Improve the body’s detoxification systems through regular cleansing and detoxification programs. One such program I use in my office includes a 2-week program of eating organic fruits and vegetables, and lean, hormone free proteins while drinking cleansing shakes that replace vital nutrients that help the liver, kidneys, skin and lymphatic system remove toxins from the body. 4. Regulating hormones and ensuring proper balance. This is critical as exposure to excess estrogens will increase risk of cancer. After properly evaluating the body, we can craft a plan to balance the hormones that is safe and effective and makes you feel great.

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Integrative and Traditional Care If you are diagnosed with breast cancer or any cancer for that matter, it can be fear inducing, confusing and you may find yourself shuffled into treatments before even having time to absorb the diagnosis. Through the years I have worked with many women who had different opinions regarding what they wanted to do about their care. Some wanted to treat it all naturally, some chose conventional care only and others integrated the two. This is a big decision and I believe should be made by each individual and their family. What I do know is that to integrate natural care or go fully conventional does not have to be a decision of one over the other. The two medicines fit together quite well. However, finding a practitioner who can navigate between the two is difficult. My experience has been that while most integrative doctors are more than willing to collaborate, many oncologists are not. Some centers such as Sloane Kettering are beginning to integrate natural medicine such as research on medicinal mushrooms and using acupuncture for the side effects of care. If you decide to use integrative care, it is important to have guidance. There are very specific guidelines for the use of supplements and herbs when using conventional care. Having a practitioner who is familiar with this as well as capable of explaining some of the confusion that often happens is important. I always recommended acupuncture therapy performed by a qualified and trained acupuncture doctor who knows how to work with internal medicine. Most chiropractors and physical therapists who perform acupuncture are only trained in sports medicine at best.

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Cancer is an opportunistic disease. Its strikes when the body is weakened and conventional care can save your life. But I believe that integrative medical care can help prevent its return, strengthen the body after it has been damaged not only by the cancer but also the aggressive treatments. The statistics of cancer deaths in my opinion are based, generally on a society that eats a poor diet and lives a toxic lifestyle. Few studies, to date, have addressed the outcomes of women with cancer whom have lived a life free of chemicals, improved their diets and made better life choices regarding stress and exercise. The few that did showed significantly reduced recurrence of cancer as compared to other groups. I believe that you can have more control than you think. By incorporating integrative care, you will have the help and support to eliminate risks or have a better outcome if you are diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Kenneth Hoffman, DAOM , L.Ac., CCH, Medical Director, has serviced thousands of patients since opening his practice in 2004. Dr Hoffman is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine as well as a licensed acupuncturist. He has trained in Integrative Oncology at Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center as well as functional medicine. He also hosts “The Natural Medicine Connection”, Fairfield County’s only health talk radio show, on WLAD Danbury (800WLAD on the AM dial), every Saturday, from 10 to 12 p.m. SOPHIA is located at: 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804 (203) 740-9300 And our new office: SOPHIA East, 11 South Main Street, Marlborough, CT 06447 860-295-1136 Website: inm.center. See ad on page 29.

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Five Keys to Creating Harmony Between Your Personal Life and Your Financial Life By Dana McLaughlin, CFP® inancial concerns consistently rank among the most stressful elements of a person’s life and the effects of that stress can be intensely disruptive to one’s overall sense of balance and wellbeing.

While there is a growing trend focusing on a holistic approach to physical, emotional, spiritual, environmental and intellectual wellness, financial wellness is often left out of the equation. If you find that the way you manage your money is based on one set of values and priorities and the rest of your life is based on another, it may be time to consider this crucial connection. But how do you begin? As outlined below, there are five key steps you can take to align your personal and financial life, and in the process achieve a more peaceful and centered existence and state of financial wellbeing. 1. Declutter and Organize To begin to understand your financial life, the first, all-important step is to clear the decks—remove any unnecessary documents, and create space for what is to come. Done correctly, this will be quite a time consuming effort – but worth it! Ideally, you should commandeer a spare room for several days, one that you can walk away from when needed. Review and sort all of your financial records from every drawer or cabinet you have. This will include an organization of ALL financial documentation in your home. Documents should be segregated into either shred or filing piles. Please refer to IRS.gov for recordkeeping guidelines so that you can feel comfortable destroying outdated records. Organize and file remaining items by category in a comprehensive recordkeeping system. When you have finished, you’ll find that you’ve applied a “California Closets” approach to organizing your financial life. For most people, they describe a sense of feeling lighter and less stressful after such a major purge. 2. Ignite Your Personal Vision Once you have created space and feel organized, the next step is to get to the heart of what’s most important to you and identify your true purpose. Be open to the possibility of realizing your highest aspirations, including financial security and personal fulfillment. This self-discovery is a crucial step that should NOT be rushed or skipped. The objective is to redirect the focus of your financial life through the lens of what brings you joy, what you hope to accomplish and contribute professionally and personally, the lifestyle you wish to create, and the legacy you hope to leave behind. 32

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Begin the visionary process by being open to discovering your true purpose and curious as to what that means for you. Allocate time to brainstorming on your personal strengths, desires, and what brings peace or satisfaction. Explore vision exercises which can be found searching online or at the bookstore. Consider a series of meetings with an inspiring mentor or a life coach. Others may embrace alternative therapeutic approaches from a spiritual advisor or energy therapist. Maintain your curiosity until a magical spark fires you up inside and your inner wisdom shines with radiant energy and vigor. 3. Choose Financial Advice Wisely and Find the Right Partner After you’ve identified your financial resources and have determined what lights you up inside, you may find it challenging to translate those key variables into a decisive financial plan of action. If knowing exactly where to start seems insurmountable, professional advice from the right partner may help. Because the stakes are particularly high, you will want to be meticulous when choosing an advisor. Beyond experience and credentials, you will want an advisor with whom you connect on a personal level—one who can relate to your values and worldview. The good news is that the financial advice landscape is much different than it used to be. There are now financial life planners who combine the vision component above with customary financial planning, or you can choose a traditional financial planner or advisor and ask them to incorporate your vision. After narrowing down advisors based on their financial expertise, choosing one who will champion the continued alignment of your financial plan with your life goals and true purpose will help you maintain a healthy financial and life balance. 4. Implementing a Manageable Action Plan At this stage, you will have awakened your true purpose and identified gaps between your personal priorities and financial resources. You will have engaged a skilled advisor to build a comprehensive plan to achieve your ultimate goals. Far too often, the best-laid plans fall flat when it comes to the execution. Your advisor/planner should provide a detailed action plan that identifies everything you need to accomplish to achieve your ideal financial life. To ensure the greatest chance of follow through, each long-term goal should be broken down into manageable short-term objectives that can be completed in 3 to 6 months. Smaller successes along the way will bring a sense of accomplishment and foster commitment to the plan.

5. Commit to Regular Financial Wellness Checkups The final step in the process requires an ongoing commitment to reconnect with your financial life advisor at least twice a year. While time consuming, it is imperative. Most people find time for the things they consider important— whether it be exercise, a weekly manicure, or other leisure activities. And many would not consider missing an annual physical, or even a hair appointment, but they often don’t lend that same sense of priority to their financial life plan. Holistic financial planners would make the case that taking the time to ensure that your financial affairs are in perfect order can leave you feeling just as energized and centered as a day at the spa. Regular follow-up carries the reward of seeing the progress you are making on your way to achieving the life you desire. It is also an opportunity to address any life changes that should be reflected in your plan, and to identify opportunities created by external factors like the economy or financial markets.

About Beirne Wealth Consulting Services, LLC Beirne Wealth Consulting Services, LLC (“BWC”) is a growing, privately owned, SEC Registered Investment Advisor with about $2 billion in assets under management and over 25 employees in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Florida. BWC provides independent, fee-based investment management services and customized financial planning solutions. Our institutional business provides consulting expertise to defined benefit and defined contribution plans, endowments, foundations and non-profit organizations. Our private clients include high networth individuals and prominent families, many of whom bring complex wealth management challenges and multigenerational planning needs. For more information, please visit www.beirnewealth.com or give us a call today at 888-231-6372.

While everyone’s journey to parenthood is different,

It is absolutely possible to create harmony between your personal life and your financial life. As this article has outlined, if you can be open to greater possibilities and are willing to realign your focus based on a discovery of what’s important to you, the highest level of fulfillment can be well within your grasp.

we all share one beautiful goal

Dana McLaughlin, CFP®, is a Senior Wealth Advisor and Financial Life Planner with Beirne Wealth Consulting Services, LLC, a privately owned, SEC Registered Investment Advisor with about $2 billion in AUM. With a thoughtful, creative, and holistic planning approach, Dana is responsible for advising clients throughout the country on financial organization, investments, customized financial life planning, retirement, advanced cash-ﬂow analysis, and estate planning. Dana focuses on helping clients to achieve a sense of financial wellbeing by helping them articulate their most important personal goals and connecting those goals with their financial life regularly. Dana has also completed Reiki levels 1 & 2. You may reach Dana at DMclaughlin@ Beirnewealth.com or (203) 951-0306. See ad on page 30.

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Mouth Watering Food, Delicious Wine and Pure Romance in Sonoma By Diane Hayden, PhD

onoma is a magical place dotted with quaint towns, each with its own unique flavor. I recommend Healdsburg as a home base for 1-2 days and then spend a day further south in Sonoma. Healdsburg has a lively downtown area, yet you can get away from it during the day by driving or cycling through wine country. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be excited to hear that a bumper crop of award-winning restaurants have popped up, further elevating Sonoma’s reputation as a culinary epicenter. Other things not to miss are mingling with locavores at the Healdsburg Farmer’s Market, held every Saturday from May through November from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., one block west of the town square.

ing in your spa tub for two, or bask in the sun with a glass of wine and your favorite book on the chaise lounge chairs.

Our first stop brought us to the Honor Mansion Inn in Healdsburg. This place is PURE romance! Located in a historic Healdsburg bed and breakfast mansion, you’ll find luxurious rooms and modern cottages spread over a four-acre property. Each day begins with a full gourmet buffet breakfast in the dining room and after a day of exploring the wineries, guests come back to the Mansion to enjoy wine and appetizers in the early evening. If you’re into activities, the Honor Mansion offers a lap pool, competition croquet, PGA putting green, tennis, basketball and bocce ball courts, and a state of the art spa.

Built around 1894 by Joseph Walker, the Case Ranch was purchased by James L. Case in 1910 when it consisted of a Victorian farmhouse on 50 acres in the rolling hills of the Russian River Valley. Years later, the Valley now boasts the finest of wines rather than apples, and the Case Ranch now sits on two acres on a quiet, country road with many remaining fruit trees. Case Ranch Inn is now owned by Barbara Wolf. Barbara became interested in bed and breakfasts after traveling extensively with her daughters in Europe staying at a wide variety of charming bed and breakfast lodgings from the British Isles to Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, and Italy.

The next night we stayed at the Case Ranch Inn located on the quiet side of Healdsburg. The Inn is a peaceful respite in a country location where you can relax and enjoy the renowned Russian River Valley wine country and all its many beautiful attractions. Case Ranch Inn is a Registered National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat and the 2-acre setting includes the main house with 2 guest rooms and a cottage, a wrap-around porch, lush gardens, gazebo, pond and fountain.

Case Ranch Inn received the Bay Area Green Business certificate for conserving resources and protecting the environment. You can enjoy antique shopping in Sebastopol and Healdsburg, hiking in beautiful Armstrong Woods State Park in Guerneville, tasting awardwinning wines at hundreds of Sonoma County’s nearby wineries, and visit the magnificent California coastline where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. If you’re in the Sonoma Wine Country to relax and unwind, there’s always ambitious porch sitting or deck napping! Your stay includes a FREE Wine Tasting Passport for tastings at premium Russian River Valley wineries.

We stayed in one of the vineyard suites, “Dono del Cielo” which translates to “gift from heaven” and that it was! This elegant Venetian suite, decorated in soft shades of lavender and cream, allows you to ascend to a blissful state of relaxation. The king size bed was incredibly comfortable and the bathroom is tiled in travertine quartzite and features a large bathing tub and a view of the fireplace. There is also a separate walk-in dual-headed shower. But the best part…beyond your slider doors, unwind on the private enclosed patio while soak34

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Our third night brought us to an enchanted forest and the Fern Grove Cottages, located in Guerneville, California. The cottages date back to the 1920s, some have whirlpools tubs, others have woodburning or gas fireplaces and pet-friendly cottages are available as well. The 20 craftsman-style cottages and the lodge are situated among beautiful vintage gardens and redwoods. With a long and historic history of a more rural time, Fern Grove’s gardens continue to be filled with many varieties of ferns, fabulous roses, flowering shrubs and bountiful fruit trees. Their popular saline pool is open between May 1st and September 30th.

Now let’s get to the food! My favorites in downtown Healdsburg are Barndiva (http:// www.barndiva.com) and Chalkboard (http:// chalkboardhealdsburg.com). With a tagline like “Eat the View,” you know Barndiva is going to be fresh, local and seasonal! Innovative cuisine and delicious cocktails are served in an impossibly hip setting: a renovated barn with a sleek but unstuffy design, which consistently draws a big crowd. We had the king salmon & potato croquette with heirloom beet salad, shaved radish, belgian endive, kumquat and the banh mi house ground pork loin with shaved cucumber, cilantro, pickled chili salad, aioli, toasted brioche. Both were amazing – keep in mind though that they are VERY seasonal, so these options may not always be on the menu. Located just off the square in downtown Healdsburg, Chalkboard is casual and contemporary. Executive Chef Shane McAnelly’s menu of small plates is inspired by produce from a dedicated three-acre garden, paired with local wine flights and inventive cocktails. Chalkboard’s daily-changing menu is defined by ingredients sourced from local purveyors and farms, highlighting crudos, just-picked salads, handmade pastas, roasted and grilled meats, seafood, and a selection of playful dessert offerings. They also do a rotating happy hour based on different cities. We sat at the lively bar and had the short rib sliders with marmalade, blue cheese and bacon aioli and the roasted butternut squash with brown butter, sage, kale and garlic. Delicious! One of California’s premier wine regions, Sonoma County is a hidden gem. It’s just a short drive, but worlds away from the sometimes pretentious and always expensive Napa tasting rooms. You’ll rarely have to wait in line or make a reservation for a tasting, and most tasting fees range from $5-15. This area is known for some amazing zinfandels, pinot noir and chardonnay. Here is my not to be missed list: Chalk Hill Vineyard (www.chalkhill.com) Chalk Hill produces one of my alltime favorite Chardonnays. And I love their commitment to sustainable farming which ensures that the land will remain healthy for generations and wines will accurately reflect their origins in the hills of eastern Sonoma County. Stuhlmuller Vineyard (www.stuhlmullervineyards.com) This is the place to go for Pinot Noir. I’m not a huge fan of Pinot, but these wines are rich and meatier than your average Pinot.

Also fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot poured in an unassuming, cozy tasting room. Ridge Vineyard (www.ridgewine.com) This is the place to go to see some really old vines. Surrounded by beautiful 115-year-old vines, this eco-sustainable winery stands as one of the most unique sites in all of Sonoma County’s wine country. The facility is built of straw bales and vineyard clay, and primarily solar-powered and produces exceptional single-vineyard wines. Preston Vineyard and Winery (www.prestonvineyards.com) This will be an experience that is unlike your typical wine tasting. In addition to estate-grown, organic wines, you’ll find many farm-fresh products like organic vegetables, fruits and nuts, you-pick strawberries, estatelaid eggs, sauerkraut, salami and a selection of local, artisanal cheeses that are grown and produced in small batches by the Preston family. Sample Lou’s bread, estate-grown and pressed olive oil, and cured olives in the tasting room. Enjoy this fresh food and wine in the picnic area and when you’re done, you can stroll through the organic gardens. Hartford Family Winery (www.hartfordwines.com) This Pinot Noir is amazing. Small and low-yielding vineyards deliver meager amounts of expressive and personality-rich wine. The single-vineyard Hartford Court Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays total as few as 93 cases up to about 800 cases. Make sure you get your hands on some. Dutton-Goldfield Winery (www.duttongoldfield.com) A laid-back, cool vibe atmosphere in the tasting room with amazing Chardonnays and a Pinot Blanc. Pinot Blanc is a white skinned mutation of Pinot Noir, prized for its fresh stone fruit flavors and cleansing mouthfeel. If you feel the need to work off all this amazing food and wine, then saddle up for a two-wheeled excursion through the gorgeous countryside of Dry Creek Valley, where farms co-mingle with some of Sonoma’s top wineries. Pick up your bike at Healdsburg’s Wine Country Bikes, which supplies rentals, hel-

chalk hill vineyard

mets, maps, and bike-mounted wine bottle carriers for your bounty. Newbies should consider a guided tour, but experienced riders can venture out on their own. An excellent, not-too-ambitious route is north along West Dry Creek Road, which has less traffic than Dry Creek Road. Your first stop: Procuring a picnic lunch at the inimitable, circa-1880s Dry Creek General Store. You’ll beat lunchtime crowds at this wooden-floored general store, whose gargantuan made-to-order sandwiches and artisan snacks never miss. Though it might be too early to start drinking (or not), be sure to check out the historic bar, full of decadesold memorabilia, where both beer on-draft and live bait are sold. While wine drinking has become much less elitist in recent years, knowing a few industry terms always comes in handy. One that’s especially useful in tasting rooms: Ask to “revisit” a certain offering if you like it or are considering buying a bottle. Most tasting rooms will waive tasting fees with a purchase, and you should also consider sharing a tasting if you’re planning on hitting several wineries in one day. For you beer aficionados, you’ll definitely want to check out Bear Republic and Russian River Brewing Company. For sure you’ve heard of Pliny the Elder – and this might be the only place you can get it if you’re from the East Coast. Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden. For more information, visit www.honormansion.com; www.caseranchinn.com, and www.ferngrove.com.

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Experience a Fairytale at WildSpring Guest Habit in Southern Oregon By Diane Hayden, PhD magine you have just entered a fairytale land with a beautiful canopy of 100 foot trees, rustling ferns, an ocean breeze and the only sounds are the leaves softly blowing in the wind and an occasional owl hooting in the distance at night. You have arrived at the WildSpring Guest Habitat in Port Orford, Oregon.

This place to me was almost beyond words. You have to see it to believe it. WildSpring is a small, eco-friendly resort 60 miles north of California. Private and secluded, on five acres of a lovely residential forest, a bluff overlooking the ocean, with a zero carbon footprint, it offers comfortable luxury in a naturally beautiful environment. From here, you can explore Oregon’s spectacular South coast or you may not ever want to leave WildSpring! In which case there are art galleries, a lighthouse and a few restaurants in town to investigate. During the day, you can walk the labyrinth in the forest or just find a hammock and read. At night, float in the open-air slate spa, listen to the surf and watch the Milky Way. This place is pure relaxation. When you arrive at WildSpring, you retrieve your Registration packet and information for the keyless deadbolt lock on your cabin from a mailbox at the parking area (or you can call on the intercom for help to the cabin if you wish) – you can’t get more privacy than that. There are only five cabin suites and each are built like small homes, with radiant-heated floors, vaulted ceilings, and separate sleeping and living areas that can be divided by pocket doors. They’re nestled in the forest about 50 to 100 feet apart, with greenery and artistic fence sections placed to ensure privacy. Each cabin is filled with artwork, antique and vintage furniture, luxury towels, spa robes and lush chenille throws. You’ll also be delighted to find a refrigerator, massage table, a 28” LED TV/DVD combo, Sony CD/iPod stereo, a special WildSpring CD, wine glasses and cork screw, hiking guide, candles and lighter. The large cabin, Annwyn, has a lovely old Vermont Castings woodburning stove, is already set up to light, and all your wood and starters are provided. The bathrooms are works of art with oversized walk-in slate showers, brushed nickel fixtures and natural Gilchrist & Soames bodycare amenities. The owners, Dean and Michelle Duarte, spent many years looking for the perfect place to build WildSpring, and there is no doubt they found it! For years before opening to the public, the house on the property that they currently reside in was rented to Tibetan Monks as a vacation rental before they moved here – and you can feel the sacred energy that still runs through the property. It is truly a blessed place. The intent at WildSpring is to remove you from the interruptions and distractions of your daily life and provide a serene place to heal, relax and renew your body and soul. 36

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The Guest Hall overlooks the ocean with radiant heating and floor-to-ceiling windows and, along with the expansive deck, tends to be the favorite guest hang-out area…a perfect place to eat, read, play games and whale watch. This is where breakfast is enjoyed every morning and it’s unlocked all the time so you can always make yourself a cup of coffee or tea, pop yourself some popcorn for a movie in your cabin or grab some chocolates. The spacious open-air, slate hot-tub/spa is the only one of its kind in the south coast. It is in a glade surrounded by 100 foot trees overlooking the ocean. Large and comfortable, it’s four feet deep in the center and it’s built high enough above ground to enable you to sit and watch the ocean while soaking up to your chin in steaming water. The property itself is strangely protected from the famous Port Orford winds - imagine the surreal experience of looking out at a sea whipped by 80 mph winds while your hair is barely ruffled. Probably the most wonderful aspect of WildSpring is the artwork. As you wander the grounds, you will find some amazing sculptures.... some playful, some profound... some larger than life, some tucked away in the ferns that only reveal themselves after they see you walk by a few times. As I was strolling through the property, I came around the edge of the pasture and looked up to find an 8-foot sculpture of the “Shaman of the Benediction” by artist Bill Worrell. My jaw dropped because not only do you rarely see his pieces (I found his work in a gallery in Sedona and was fortunate to purchase a small sculpture entitled, “Invisible Forces”), but to come face to face with a larger than life size one will take your breath away. As for being ecofriendly – they went above and beyond! WildSpring used responsible local contractors who understood the need to be kind to the land within their own community. They were able to place the cabins and dig deep enough for the infrastructure while only removing two living trees during the entire development. All the cleaning products are nontoxic, pH-neutral and scent-free. All the appliances are low energy and low-flow, and they use low-watt and energy-efficient and CFL bulbs inside whenever possible. There are containers to collect water and greenery was planted that is a natural source of food for the gentle wildlife. In addition, they buy local and organic produce and flowers whenever possible. WildSpring is truly a magical place that you have to see to believe! On our trip down to Port Orford, we got to experience some of Oregon’s finest wineries that produce what some consider the world’s best Pinot Noir. We toured Vista Hills, Archery Summit, Sokol Blosser and JK Carnere.

My favorites were the 2013 Looney Vineyard Pinot Noir which opens expansively and expressively with lifted aromas of fresh blueberry, crushed mulberry, grenadine, and a hint of crushed stone. The 2015 Vireton Rose was exceptional too. Brilliant watermelon in color, it tantalizes with aromas of fresh cranberry and candied orange peel. For more information, www.archerysummit.com. Next up was Sokol Blosser Vineyard. 1970 was winding down when founders, Bill Blosser and Susan Sokol Blosser pulled their ’68 VW Camper up to an abandoned prune orchard some 30 miles southwest of Portland. These moonstruck kids had little farming experience and just a basic knowledge of winemaking. What they did have, in abundance, was a passion for growing the Pinot Noir grape and creating world-class wine. To thrive, the Pinot Noir grape needs a particular climate found in Burgundy, France and, coincidentally, where the 85-acre Sokol Blosser estate resides in the Dundee Hills of Oregon. Higher elevation, warmer nighttime temperatures and less low-elevation fog help protect the grapes in the iron-rich, fertile and well-drained red Jory soil of the Dundee Hills. For Pinot Noir to become a world-class wine there must be a level of care and commitment that goes beyond that of any other varietal. At Sokol Blosser that includes careful hand harvesting, fermentation in small lots and aging 16 months in French oak. They hand sort through every grape before it goes into a fermenter - for Pinot Noir, the grapes are de-stemmed without crushing, to preserve as many whole berries as possible. And they’re ecofriendly! In fact, in 2002 Sokol Blosser became the first US winery to receive LEED Certification.

Our first stop was Vista Hills which produces small-batch estate Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris high atop the storied Dundee Hills. The Dundee Hills AVA is situated in the northern stretch of Oregon’s famous and fertile Willamette Valley. While total production is around 3,500 cases per year, many of the wines are produced in microbatches of 100-200 cases. A variety of clones and variations in vine age and exposure allow for a broad spectrum of flavor within a single varietal. The 2013 Pinot Gris and 2012 Pinot Gris Rose were delicious along with a beautiful 2010 Pinot Noir. For more information, http://www.vistahillsvineyard.com/index.htm. The next stop brought us to Archery Summit Vineyard. When Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast award 7 of your wines at 90 points or higher, you know you’ve got amazing wine! Archery Summit pioneered the gravity-flow system of winemaking, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps used to transport must and wine among fermentors, tanks and barrels. The design utilizes five levels: grapes received at the crush pad on the top level travel downward, one floor at a time, to the fermentation hall, aging caves and bottling area. By using an elevator built into the cellar 60 feet below ground, barrels can be lifted for racking and blending and filled without the use of pumps. This process prevents any stress on the wine that might impair its essence. With a grape as delicate as Pinot Noir, this is imperative.

My favorites were the 2013 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir which exhibited dark fruit flavors of cherry and blueberry with earthy and spicy characteristics. I also loved the 2012 Goosepen Block Pinot Noir which had notes of baked blueberry fruit, bramble, fresh blackberry and hints of cocoa with a ripe finish. For more information, http://www.sokolblosser.com. Lastly, we ended up at JK Carriere in Newberg, OR. The name J.K. Carriere is a contraction of Jim Prosser’s two grandfathers’ names. The wasp that features prominently on the label has, due to severe allergy, twice nearly killed him. In 1999, on the heels of cellar work for eight classic Pinot Noir producers and still working for two, Jim boot-strapped his operation and started making wine as J.K. Carriere Wines. For its first ten years the winery operated from a true 100-year-old barn, which allowed both the business and reputation to flourish. In November 2007, Jim purchased 40 acres of grape-growing land on the southeast flank of Parrett Mountain, in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. In 2009 the first vineyard blocks were planted, a new winery building was completed, and J.K. Carriere settled into its new home in the hills. My favorites: 2014 Provocateur Pinot Noir, translucent ruby red in color, the wine has a nose of fresh strawberries and cherries with a drizzle of balsamic over browned butter cake. Also, something you rarely see – a 2015 White Pinot Noir with a nose of lime flowers and melon. For more information, http://jkcarriere.com. Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden. For more information, visit www. wildspring.com.

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HAPPENINGS Saturday, October 1st Free Reiki at Thyme & Season 1:30 - 4: Tranquil Healing Reiki provided by Usui Reiki Master Anita Jones. First & 3rd Saturday of Every Month! Free, No reservation. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden, (1 m south of Sleeping Giant/QU; ¼ m north of end of Rt 40 connector from I-91 exit 10) 203-407-8128. Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you M-F.

Wednesday, October 5th Student Reader’s Night. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. FREE. Have a reading from one of our gifted student readers. Don’t let the word student confuse you as they are well versed in the art of message delivery. These nights allow them to practice their mediumship, tarot or angel reading skills and for you to receive guidance. Sessions are 15-minutes each. No appointments. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, October 6th Menopause and Weight Gain: Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm. Come to commiserate and combat! Join dietitian Maureen Wasik (yes, she’s middle aged) for a lively discussion on the physiology of weight gain and how to be smart about eating during mid-life. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, Mt. Carmel section of Hamden 06518. 1 mile south Sleeping Giant/QU; 1.5 m north Hamden Town Hall; ¼ m north of end of Rt 40 connector from I-91 exit 10. 203-407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com.

Friday, October 7th

October 2016 Psychic Saturday. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $25.00 for a 20-minute reading. Receive a private reading to connect you to guidance from your angels, spirit guides and loved ones. Check the web site for Readers. Pre-scheduling is highly recommended. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, Glastonbury. To pre-schedule an appointment, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Business Skills for the Holistic Practitioner Intensive with Priscilla Bengtson. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $225.00 (Payment plan available). Whether you are just starting out in business or you’ve been practicing for a while, this intensive class will help you focus your business and develop a plan for success. Lessons will be in defining or redefining your practice, developing your brand, creating your mission, marketing your business, and developing a business plan. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sunday, October 9th Women’s Empowerment Meditation. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. $25.00. This guided meditation is specifically designed to the energy of the group. We invite in our angels and guides to help us release those things that keep us stuck. The energy of the group helps us to release those things that no longer serve our highest good and allow us to live an empowered life. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Tuesday, October 11th

Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson. 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. $25.00. Quiet your mind and release old physical and energetic patterns with this amazing Sound Healing Meditation using Himalayan Singing Bowls. 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 group is kept small so each person can experience the healing on a personal level. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson. 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. $25.00. Quiet your mind and release old physical and energetic patterns with this amazing Sound Healing Meditation using Himalayan Singing Bowls. 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 group is kept small so each person can experience the healing on a personal level. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, October 8th

The Nuts and Bolts of Spirituality: A monthly group for Men with Ken Freschi. 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $15.00. Join Ken Freschi each month in this spirituality group just for men. Meet with like-minded individuals to discuss a variety of life and spiritual topics. Ken’s book, Our Walk to Eternity, will be used as a guideline for the group and aid in exploring the human journey and the lessons we are here to learn. Open for all levels of spiritual seekers. Held at

ChakraDance Awakening with Anne Stamatakis, 4:30 to 6:00pm. $23. Discover a deeper connection to your true authentic self, the unraveling of blocked energy and the feeling of coming home. A fun healing dance practice & moving meditation to music resonating with the chakras. Sacred Rivers Yoga Center, 28 Main St, E. Hartford/Glastonbury line. Pre-register 860-808-8264 or 860-657-9545

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

Wednesday, October 12th Healing in Harmony Night. 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. FREE. Stop by the center for a FREE healing service. Participants will sit individually with a healer and receive an 8 – 10 minute healing. No reservation required. You will be served in the order in which you enter the center. The healing services are offered one night each month. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, Glastonbury. For more information, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Singing Jam with Lauren Graczyk. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 pm. $10.00. Come join us as we raise our vibrations and sing with Spirit. No singing experience is necessary. All the songs are sung a capella and are easy to learn. The focus is on freeing your voice, listening to each other and finding freedom and connection through song. Just bring in your best “shower” voice and an open heart. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Friday, October 14th So you want to be a Medium? with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $50.00. Are you ready to take your intuitive skills to the next step by connecting with angels, guides and loved ones in the spirit world? 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. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, October 15th Integrated Energy Therapy (IET), Basic Level with Dan Lupacchino and Christine Cartwright. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $205.00. The basic training class includes attunement to the Basic IET energy ray that will activate the 1st and 2nd DNA pairs and will empower you to energize and integrate cellular memory blocks; location and use of the IET energy integration power points; introduction to Energy Anatomy and the Cellular Memory Map; increase in your ability to be an energy intuitive and “read” energy. Fully illustrated training guide and certificate provided. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com. Free Reiki at Thyme & Season 12 - 3: Tranquil Healing Reiki provided by Usui Reiki Master Anita Jones. First & 3rd Saturday of Every Month! Free, No reservation. Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden, (1 m south of Sleeping Giant/QU; ¼ m north of end of Rt 40 connector from I-91 exit 10) 203-407-8128. Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you M-F.

Homeopathy Study Group: Sponsored by Connecticut Homeopathy. Reservation & fee required. Learn to treat yourself & your family for first aid & acute illness with homeopathy; End confusion about which blue tube is best; Prevent use of OTC or prescription meds. Study group meets every 3rd Saturday; $5.00, RSVP Required; location TBD. Email to: connecticuthomeopathy@gmail.com Certified Nutrition Counselor to assist you M-F 9-5 at Thyme & Season Natural Market, 3040 Whitney Ave, Hamden. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com

Saturday, October 22nd

Tuesday, October 18th

Wednesday, October 26th

What’s your body REALLY telling you? with Priscilla Bengtson. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $35.00. During this workshop we will explore your body alignment, daily habits, belief systems and emotional triggers to see what may be the source of your pain and discomfort. Working with your energy centers, you will obtain a better understanding of your physical body, along with your body-mind and learn ways to renew your spirit, relax your mind and change your body. Dress comfortably and be ready to move. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

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

Wednesday, October 19th Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson. 5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. $25.00. Quiet your mind and release old physical and energetic patterns with this amazing Sound Healing Meditation using Himalayan Singing Bowls. 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 group is kept small so each person can experience the healing on a personal level. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, October 20th Holistic Moms Network. West Hartford/Farmington Valley Chapter, 6:30-8:30pm. WORKSHOP: HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN NATURAL HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS. Free Event! All MOMS are welcome! Open to public! Simsbury Public Library Thyroid Issues and Adrenal Fatigue: Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm. The thyroid and adrenals are designed to work together, so in order to address thyroid symptoms like fatigue and weight gain, we have to take a broader view. In this talk, Dr. Elise Panza, ND will discuss the difference between Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroid, natural ways to support thyroid function, and strategies for increasing resilience to stress. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, 203-407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com.

Reiki II with Christine Cartwright. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. $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. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, 99 Citizens Drive, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Thursday, October 27th Chinese Medicine - The holistic approach to optimal Health: Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm. Dr. Xilin Jordan will discuss: What is Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine What is Moxa, cupping, and Tui Na? How are these methods working and helping? How to use the tongue, the pulse diagnosis along with palpation and other diagnostic methods to detect imbalances of the body. Essence of Chinese Nutrition; Spiritual healing aspect of Chinese Medicine. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, 203-407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com.

Friday, October 28th Sound Healing Meditation with Priscilla Bengtson. 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. $25.00. Quiet your mind and release old physical and energetic patterns with this amazing Sound Healing Meditation using Himalayan Singing Bowls. 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 group is kept small so each person can experience the healing on a personal level. Held at The Healing in Harmony Center, Glastonbury. To register, please call 860.430.9801 or visit www.healinginharmonycenter.com.

Saturday, October 29th Angelology Basic Certificate Program with Priscilla Bengtson. Also Sunday, October 30. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $350.00 (financial assistance and payment plan available). This is a comprehensive weekend course allowing you to explore your gifts as a professional angel reader. Develop your personal reading style while developing a clear and concise system to connect and deliver messages from the angels. Held at The

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

Thursday, November 3rd Migraine Headahes: Indicator of Underlying Imbalance: Free Talk at Thyme & Season, 7pm. Dr. Lindsay Chimileski, ND will present an important talk on migraines, including how headaches and migraines are different, and the challenge of identifying root causes of Imbalance. Discussion of effective, lasting treatment & cures will include treatment approaches– both traditional Chinese & Naturopathic. Thyme & Season, 3040 Whitney Av, Rt. 10, 203-407-8128 x2. No reservation, 20% coupon to all. www.ThymeAndSeasonNaturalMarket.com.

Sunday, November 6th Creatively Yours: New Age and Craft Expo 10am – 5pm Cost: $6. Come experience a day of both spiritual & creative enlightenment! Tarot & intuitive readers . Aura Photos. Reiki, massage & healings. 2 Rooms of dynamic speakers & guided meditations. Handcrafted jewelry, soaps, candles spiritual art, Spiritual vendors and crystals to uplift your heart & soul. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1284 Strongtown Road, Southbury For more information email cryours87@yahoo.com or call 203.733.6560

ONGOING Mondays Sound Healing Concerts, 6:30-8:00pm, 2nd Monday of each month. These healing events will have a blend of channeled messages, energy work, voice, Alchemy Crystal Bowls, brass bowls and gongs to create the necessary environment to support an evening of transformation. All of these tools will be chosen in advance based on the energetics and the requirements of the group for that evening. Each Concert will be unique and will be an environment full of potential to heal, change and grow on many levels. Fee: $25 Call 860-358-9272 or email info.rondamico@gmail.com to reserve your spot. 595 Main St, 2nd Floor, Portland CT

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

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Stiff Neck, Tight Shoulders, Aching Back? Classic Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Lessons taught by Karen Emerick to relieve your body of stiffness, tight muscles and pain. Please see the description below of The Feldenkrais Method under Wednesday Ongoing Classes for more information. Glastonbury 6-7pm. $15. Drop-ins $20. Register: 860-633—7667

Wednesdays The Feldenkrais Method ®Awareness Through Movement® Classes with Karen Emerick, A powerful way to eliminate stress and pain while dramatically increasing flexibility. Through stress and injury we develop habitually chronic tight muscles and stiff joints leaving us feeling older than we are. Through slow, deceptively simple and ingeniously designed movements done on the floor, these chronic old patterns ingrained in our body melt away, leaving relaxed muscles, improved coordination and balance and an effortless sense of movement. Glastonbury, 10:15am – 11:30am, $15, drop-ins $20. Register: 860-633-7667. Milford Homeopathic Study Group Come and learn the principles of homeopathy and how to use homeopathic remedies for different acute conditions so you can treat yourself, family and friends. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month starting in September. Meet from 7:00PM - 8:30PM at The Family Room, 31 Cherry St. Milford, CT. Fee: $5. Email connecticuthomeopathy@gmail. com to reserve your spot. Sponsored by the CT Alliance to Advance Homeopathy. Shamanic Theory- 7:00-8:00 Hosted by Naughty Shaman. Join Nicole Lewis exploring shamanic practices and teachers. You will be able to compare and contrast various methods to develop your unique medicine. A key element of shamanism is honoring those teachers who came before us. You will be exposed to teachers to serve as a launch pad for discussion of shamanic concepts and how they apply to your life. naughtyshaman.com 860-430-1788

Thursdays Energetic Healing Groups, 6:30-8:00pm. Ron D’Amico, Intuitive Healer, Spiritual Guide and Teacher, has created a class for people to experience healing in a group setting. These group healings are created to facilitate healing at the root level, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual/karmic. Group dynamics are very powerful. Ron has created a way of tapping into this potential to channel this energy to increase changes exponentially. Each group is unique and is an expression of the people who attend that evening. Within the experiences you will find this is a journey to the Heart and Soul of you and a way of bringing yourself through your current and past challenges as well as opening doors to your higher potential. Fee: $25 Call 860-358-9272 or email info.rondamico@gmail.com to reserve your spot. 595 Main St, 2nd Floor, Portland CT

40 Natural NaturalNutmeg Nutmeg- -October October2016 2016

Summer Bellydance Class with Elisheva. 6:15-7:15 pm at Spotlight Arts, Dance and Wellness, 45 S Main Street, Unionville, CT. Express the Divine Feminine within while getting fit through this ancient art form! Contact at www.elishevabellydancer.com or 860-967-9424

Saturdays Homeopathic Study Group. 1:00 - 2:30PM. Third Saturdays. Come and learn the principles of homeopathy and how to use the homeopathic remedies for different acute conditions so you can treat yourself, family and friends. Small fee TBD for photocopying etc. Group Leader: Louise Sanchione, ND, CCH, MA, MS. Held at: CT Alliance to Advance Homeopathy, 299 Washington Ave. Suite 18S, Hamden, CT. Please RSVP your interest at connecuticuthomeopathy@gmail.com

CLASSIFIED Beautiful Office Space, Portland. Integrative healing center looking for holistic practitioners who have their own practice, interested in sharing space with other like-minded professionals. Seeking naturopath, nutritionist, life coach, yoga therapist, acupuncturist, energy healer or other healing modality. Includes waiting room, internet and break room. Also available - 1000 sq ft class room space. Very accessible building, ample parking close to Rte 9 in Middletown area. www.rondamico.net Contact Angela at 860-358-9272 or info.rondamico@gmail.com Workshop/Class Space - Holistic Healing Center in Portland has a large and newly renovated workshop/classroom space available in beautiful 1000sf open well lit room, can seat up to 60 comfortably, also good for Yoga/Tai Chi type classes, call Angela at 860-358-9272 or email angela.rondamico@gmail.com. www.rondamico.net Part-Time/ Full-Time Family Medicine APRN Needed: TAO Center for Vitality, Longevity & Optimal Health LLC, located in Hebron CT, is looking for an APRN who specializes in Family medicine to join their multi-disciplinary team of practitioners. Currently TAO uses naturopathic medicine, integrative mental health solutions, physical therapy, massage therapy, nutrition, functional medicine, and yoga to restore health to our patients. Candidate must have at least 2 years of experience in general/ family medicine and does not have to practice wholistic or functional medicine themselves but needs to be supportive of their patients using these therapies along with conventional medicine when necessary. This is an opportunity to build your own practice while having the support of a full office staff including billing, scheduling, advertising. We currently have several patients looking for a new primary care practitioner; waiting for you to join their team of health experts. Currently TAO has 3 NDs, 2 psychotherapists, 3 yoga instructors, 2 physical therapists and a massage therapist. To apply, please send your CV along with a cover letter to nikki@taovitality.com.

RESOURCES ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture of Greater Hartford Stan Baker, LAC 645 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105 860.836.1068 • www.acupuncturestanbaker.com See ad on page 3.

DENTISTRY Livingstone Dental Excellence Dr. Thomas Livingstone 3 Railroad St. North Canaan, CT 860.824.0751 www.livingstonedentalexcellence.com See ad on page 23. Dr. Steven Hinchey 2249 New London Turnpike South Glastonbury, CT. (860) 633-6518 www.dentistryfordiabetics.com/drhinchey See ad on page 9.

FINANCIAL PLANNING Conscious Capital Wealth Management, LLC Lawrence Ford 381 Hubbard St. ste. 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860) 6598299 • Lford@consciouscapitalwm.com www.consciouscapitalwm.com See ad on page 31.

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 31.

HOLISTIC CENTERS Integrative Wellness and Physical Therapy 34 Jerome Ave, Suite 305 Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860) 519-1916 info@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com See ads on page 23 and 26. Naughty Shaman Center for Shamanic Arts 2450 Main Street Glastonbury, CT 06232 naughtyshaman.com 860-430-1788. See ad on page 26. Ron D’Amico, LLC Center for Integrative Healing and Education 595 Main St., 2nd Floor, Portland, CT 860-358-9272 info@rondamico@gmail.com www.rondamico.net See ad on page 21.

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

HYPNOSIS Diane Bahr-Groth, C. Hy., TFT, Dir. 1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT. (203)595-0110 • mindbodytransformation.com See ad on page 22. Mind Matters Hypnosis Center Lisa Zaccheo, MA, BCH, BCI Board Certified Hypnotist & Instructor 12 Waterside Court, Avon, CT 06001 (860)693-6448 • MindMatters@comcast.net www.mindmattershypnosis.com See ad on page 19. Michele P. Rousseau, MA, CH 267 William Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860-704-9054 • mprousseau@sbcglobal.net www.micheleprousseau.com

INTEGRATED MEDICINE ProNatural Physicians Group 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 (860) 829-0707 www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 31. Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt Street, New Milford CT 860-354-3304 • www.tsachsmd.com See ad on page 13.

INTEGRATIVE APRN’S/ NURSE PRACTITIONERS ProNatural Physicians Group Lara O’Neil, Pediatric APRN Amanda Swan, Adult/Women’s Health APRN 120 Webster Square Road Berlin, CT 06037 • 860-829-0707 ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast.net See ad on page 31

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

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

Stacey Munro, N.D. Nature’s Helper Medical Clinic 178 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT 06078 860.758.7808 • www.natureshelpermedical.com

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

The Wellness Institute Marvin Schweitzer, ND 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT (203) 847-2788 See ad on page 33.

Tamara Sachs, MD Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt Street, New Milford CT 860-354-3304 • www.tsachsmd.com See ad on page 13.

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

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

ProNatural Physicians Group Dr. Ann Aresco, Dr. Ann Aresco, Dr. Summer McAllister, Dr. Sarah Zambarano 120 Webster Sqr Rd.Berlin, CT 06037 P: 860-829-0707 - F: 860-829-0606 E: ProNaturalPhysicians@comcast.net www.ProNaturalPhysicians.com See ad on page 31.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

NUTRITION

Dharma School - Energy Healing Certificate Naughty Shaman Center for Shamanic Arts 2450 Main Street Glastonbury, CT 06232 naughtyshaman.com 860-430-1788. See ad on page 26.

Holcare Nutrition Vicki Kobliner MS RD 3 Hollyhock Lane, Suite 2A, Wilton, CT 06897 203-834-9949 • www.holcarenutrition.com See ads on page 26. Holly Niles, MS, CNS, LDN Licensed Functional Medicine Clinical Nutritionist Integrative Wellness 34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 305 Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860)519-1916 HollyNiles@IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com www.IntegrativeWellnessAndPT.com See ads on page 23 and 26.

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

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

SCHOOLS

SKINCARE Anew You Skincare & Wellness Center Melissa Martin, 16A Ensign Drive, Avon. (860)284-9730 • www.anewyouskincare.net Melissa@anewyouskincare.net See ad on page 3.

THERMOGRAPHY Sophia Natural Health Center 31 Old Route 7, Brookfield, CT 06804. (203) 740-9300 • SophiaNaturalHealth.com See ad on page 29.

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

CT Natural Health Specialists Dr. Lauren Young, Dr. Ashley Burkman, Dr. Tonya Pasternak and Dr Craig Fasullo 315 E. Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 (860) 533-0179 • www.ctnaturalhhealth.com See ad on page 13. Debra Gibson, ND 100 Danbury Road, Ste. 102 Ridgefield, CT 06877 • (203)431-4443 See ad on page 9. 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

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BERNIE

By Bernie Siegel, MD

Waging a War Against Cancer vs Healing Your Life

hen our minds and bodies are involved in a battle, our response is one of protection. That means we are prepared to run for our lives as our blood is diverted to parts of our brain and bodies that help us to escape. Stress hormone levels are elevated and immune function is suppressed during this time.

When we are involved in healing and see life as a labor pain of self birthing then the side effects are diminished and our body is reprogrammed to grow and heal as the stress level is reduced and immune function enhanced. What impressed me years ago — and has kept me involved in mind body work — was learning from the people who didn’t die when they were supposed to. Women live longer than men with the same cancers and so do married men compared to single men. The reason for this is their relationships and connections. I knew a mother of nine who said, “I have nine kids and I can’t die until they are all married and out of the house.” Twenty-three years later her ninth kid left home and her cancer came back. It amazed me that she could do that but sad that when she wasn’t a mother her life had no meaning. What I want everyone to do is find your unique, authentic self and not live a role or a life imposed upon you by others. Another patient of mine was a landscaper who developed stomach cancer when he retired. He delayed surgery, because it was spring, to go home and make the world beautiful, “So if I die I’ll leave a beautiful world.” When I told him post-operatively that I couldn’t remove all the cancer and he needed chemotherapy and perhaps radiation he said, “You forgot something. It’s still spring time; I am going home to make the world beautiful. So if I die I’ll leave a beautiful world.” John died at age ninety-four with no sign of cancer. These were people who were living each day and not involved in avoiding dying. They accepted their mortality and lived meaningful lives. How many of us truly do what feels good for us to do and are capable of saying no to things that we do not want to do? When you heal your life and find peace of mind your body gets the message too. Everything I am saying is scientific. We are capable of genetic changes and spontaneous reversals (just as bacteria, viruses and plants do) to resist antibiotics, vaccines and environmental changes. Our genes become active in response to the internal environment. Most women with a gene for breast cancer do not develop it. Twin sisters with the gene for breast cancer do not both develop the disease. The sister more likely to do so is the one who internalizes her anger and spends her life pleasing her parents and everyone else.

I am not saying this to place blame but to awaken you to the choices you have in your life. We are changed internally by the way we act. If I put you in a play, as an actor, I can enhance your health in a comedy and damage it in a tragedy. I know two patients who tired of their therapy, went home with extensive cancer and “Left their troubles to God.” And their cancers disappeared. No wars just peace. So go and find what is right for you as treatment for your disease. If you are afraid of dying then do everything everyone suggests. If it is doing what is right for you and what brings you peace then go with it and know you will have fewer side effects when you decide which labor pains are worthwhile and of your choosing. I meet people who hate vegetables and would prefer chemotherapy as treatment so they can enjoy their meals at home with the family. The choice of the road to healing is yours. Remember we all die some day and if you do things to not die you will be very bitter when you get to Heaven. The way to beat cancer is related to how you live your life — the experience and what you teach others. None of us will live forever. Death is not a failure nor is it losing-the-battle; though again, the way most doctors talk you would think it is. Remember we all die some day and if you do things to not die you will be very bitter when you get to Heaven. The way to beat cancer is related to how you live your life — the experience and what you teach others. None of us will live forever. Death is not a failure nor is it losing-the-battle; though again, the way most doctors talk you would think it is. For many, Dr. Bernard Siegel-or Bernie, as he prefers to becalled-needs no introduction. He has touched many lives all overthe Planet. In 1978, he reached a national and then international audience when he began talking about patient empowerment and the choice to live fully and die in peace. As a physician who has cared for and counseled innumerable people whose mortality has been threatened by illness, Bernie embraces a philosophy of living and dying that stands at the forefront of the medical ethics and spiritual issues our Society grapples with today. Read Bernie’s regular blog posts on his website where you will also find his books, articles, and CDs: http://www.berniesiegelmd.com. Bernie currently holds a cancer support group the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of the month 6:30 to 8:30PM 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 12.

Natural Nutmeg - October 2016

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South Windsor Smiles Kevin H. Norige, D.M.D.

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Deanna Cherrone, M.D.

Internal Medicine Functional Medicine practitioner

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

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

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

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

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

Natural Nutmeg - October 2016