Nutmeg “Nuggets”


Matters of the Heart: An Integrative Approach to Cardiovascular Health


often hear from my patients about the health assessment done at milestone years such as the colonoscopy, mammograms, blood tests, stress tests, PSA testing and the list goes on and on. The purpose of this testing is for early detec- tion of disease and disease prevention but I have learned some sobering facts about the effective- ness, or lack of effectiveness, of some of these screenings. Of particular concern to me are those tests dealing with cardiovascular disease. According to John Hopkins School of Medi-


I


cine, cardiovascular disease is the cause of more deaths than cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and accidents combined. And the latest data tells us that about 1/3 of all cardiovascular deaths could be simply prevented. We know that there have been successful natural interventions that will work when disease is caught early.


One of the most important first steps in the process of disease-


proofing your heart is to identify risks. One of the more unique risk prevention tools is Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) and Digital Pulse Analysis. This is an exciting, non-invasive method of looking at heart physiology that is backed by more than 25 years of advanced research in medical physics. By using pulse oxymetry and ad- vances in software, this system can measure risk of arterial stiffness and blood flow. According to the Framingham Heart Study, adding PWV technology to assessment lead to significant reclassification and identification of those at risk and led to better interventions.


These are just a few of the tools we use in an advanced integra-


tive medical practice. Others include the Boston Heart Diagnostics which is the best of the best at looking for inflammation and various damaging cholesterol particles that can harm your heart. Medical Infrared Thermography looks for inflammation anywhere in the body especially carotid arteries and breast cancer risk. Hormone testing for excess estrogen or deficient hormones gives us far more informa- tion than the basic stress or cholesterol test.


The best part of all this testing is that when the problem is


uncovered, you can develop a specific plan to restore function and reverse risk. One tool that may not be considered but should is acupuncture. By inserting fine pins into specific points on the body, we can increase flexibility in the vessels, reduce blood pres- sure, increase blood flow and stabilize hormones in the nervous system that damage the heart such as cortisol and adrenaline. With the use of targeted supplements and herbal formulas, inflamma- tion can be reduced and coronary plaque can be addressed. There are many other usual treatment strategies that are safe and non- invasive such as including plenty of essential fats and CoQ10 in your diet. The key is to have an organized assessment and know the tools that can help. Seek out professionals who are skilled in the use of these tools and let them design a program that addresses your needs.


Dr. Kenneth Hoffman, DACM, L.Ac., CCH is the Medical Director for SOPHIA Natural Health Center located in Brookfield CT. He is co-author of the book “Essential Remedies for Women’s Health” and host of the radio talk show “The Natural Medicine Connection” on 800 am WLAD. For more information, call SOPHIA Natural Health Center in Brookfield, CT at 203.740.9300 or visit www.inm.center. See ad on page 7.


8 Natural Nutmeg - May/June 2019 Try Essential Oils for Hormonal Support O


ver 30 years ago, Gary Young the pioneer of essential oils started off on a mission. Now, there are millions around the globe who have discovered the power of these beautiful plant based oils. Young Liv- ing has a standard for creating a non- negotiable benchmark and delivering a pristine product that represents the pillars of sourcing, science and standards. The


products are uncompromised and this approach is unique and sets them apart by their authenticity. They are with the plant from the moment it is planted in the ground to the final bottling process. Young Living has superior standards in agricultural practices, harvesting, test- ing, extraction, distillation, testing, trace-ability, storage and bottling.


Here are my favorites for hormonal support:


Progessence Plus™: Is a serum that supports hormone health and a beautiful complexion. It features fractionated coconut oil, Vitamin E and the essential oils bergamot, peppermint, frankin- cense and wild yam extract. It contains an edible wild yam extract from Mexico that has sapiens that are similar to naturally occur- ring progesterone. Best to be used by women during menopause, after recently giving birth or during the menstrual cycle. You can apply to skin – suggested area would be the forearm 1-2 drops.


Clary Sage™: It is in the herbaceous scent group so it is not


a strong floral note. Herbaceous oils blend well with citrus or woodsy oils (cedarwood & fennel) that are root based. Good for the root chakra at the base of spine or on the bottoms of your feet to bring energy to the center. Also good for the heart chakra at the center of the chest to gather unconditional love.


Cypress: Conical shaped evergreen tree with slender and


tender branches, it is ever-living and grown all over the world. Cypress has a connection with life and death. The Tibetan monks used it to purify the environment. The aroma is medium and woodsy and blends well with florals such as lavender. The twigs and leaves are used during the distillation process so it has an uplifting energy. It helps bring alignment to the body so if you are feeling ungrounded and un-balanced you can use on the root chakra at the base of your spine.


Submitted by Marna Ringel, distributor for Young Living Essential Oils since June 2017. www.theessentialflorist.com marna@theessentialflorist.com. 347.599.6133. You can discover more about this at www.SeedToSeal.com. See ad on page 22.


Sacred Rivers Yoga Center 28 Main Street


East Hartford, CT 06118


Phone: 860.657.9545 Fax: 860.657.3161 www.sacredriversyoga.com


Paula Scopino ~ Owner/Director


Yoga Alliance 200 & 500 Hour Teacher Training Yoga Therapy Workshops


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