Bodywork is any therapeutic technique that involves working with the human body in a form involving manipulative therapy, breath work, or energy medicine. Bodywork techniques also aim to assess or improve posture and promote awareness of the “body/mind connection,” which is an approach that sees the human body and mind as a single integrated unit. Acupuncture is used on certain points of the body to improve the flow of blocked or stagnant energy.
Michele Beaule, Owner of Imagine Float
10Best Esthetician/Holistic & Organic Spa
Dare I say my first float was magical? I had never felt so relaxed, so at peace, so jelly-like in all my life. I was 45 years old, with four children at home, two of whom were struggling with their mental health; they were at four different schools, our house had just been struck by lightning, my husband was frequently out of town on business, and I didn’t have family close by who could help. I thought I was handling “life” wonderfully until I stepped foot in that float cabin. I had NO idea how incredibly exhausted I was, both physically and mentally.
My float forced me to stop, take inventory of my body and mind, and recognize that if I didn’t pivot, and soon, I was going to find myself in trouble and no longer able to be the caregiver my family needs me to be. I came home and slept for at least two hours because my body was finally relaxed. When I reemerged, I immediately began researching the benefits of floating. I knew I couldn’t be the only one who needed this respite from everyday life. I knew it could transform our relationship with our bodies and minds.
This transformative experience ignited my mission to share the healing power of float therapy with others. Thus, Imagine Float was born, just nine months later – not just as a wellness center but as a sanctuary for those seeking solace from the storms of life.
Since opening our doors, Imagine Float has become more than just a place to relax; it’s a community where individuals come together to support one another on their wellness journeys. We’ve witnessed remarkable stories of recovery, rejuvenation, and renewed hope. One client had this to say: “Imagine Float has curated an awesome collection of biohacking, wellness, and nervous system tools to heal from autoimmunity, dial in your fitness, and extend longevity.”
Our clients, like myself, have found a safe haven to pause, reflect, and heal, impacting not only their lives but also those around them. It’s these stories that fuel our passion and commitment to wellness every day.
As we look to the future, our vision for Imagine Float is to expand our reach and deepen our impact. We’re always exploring new therapies and technologies to complement our existing services, ensuring we remain at the forefront of holistic wellness. Our goal is to not only grow our physical presence but also to cultivate an educational platform to raise awareness about the benefits of float therapy and other holistic practices, empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.
We invite you to join us on this journey of wellness and discovery. Whether you’re seeking a moment of tranquility, a boost in mental clarity, or a supportive community, Imagine Float is here for you.
Visit us, share your story, and become part of our community that strives for a healthier, improved quality of life. Together, we can create waves of change, one float at a time.
Michele Beaule, Owner, Imagine Float • Award-Winning, Independent, Female-Owned Business • 860.255.7771 • www.imaginefloat.com
Dr. Aimee Montanaro, DTCM, Dipl. OM (NCCAOM), LAc
10Best Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture
Integrity Acupuncture specializes in women’s healthcare and offers a private, luxurious, healing environment punctuated by unique high-end design aesthetics, fresh flowers, calming music, and non-toxic aromatherapy. In order to prioritize patient comfort, treatment rooms are private yet spacious, and each treatment table offers extra cushioning and options for heat, negative ion therapy, or infrared therapy.
Dr. Aimee Montanaro, DTCM, Dipl. OM (NCCAOM), LAc, is the owner and operator of Integrity Acupuncture. She is passionate about women’s healthcare and how the integrative aspects of Eastern and Western Medicine can empower each woman to remain strong, vibrant, and healthy throughout each phase of their life. To resolve a variety of health concerns that women may experience, Dr. Montanaro has completed advanced training in women’s health and fertility, orthopedics, gastroenterology, stress management and emotional well-being, and geriatrics.
Dr. Montanaro’s needle technique is gentle, yet effective. In addition to acupuncture, Dr. Montanaro offers the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy, customized herbal formulas, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, e-stim, movement therapy, breathwork, and diet and lifestyle recommendations. Dr. Montanaro is a national board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist, and she is licensed in Connecticut. She has achieved the designation of NCCAOM Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, which is a mark of excellence in both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology.
Integrity Acupuncture offers flexible office hours in order to accommodate requests for early morning, evening, and weekend appointment times.
Dr. Aimee Montanaro, D-TCM, LAc, Integrity Acupuncture • 250 Main St., Westport, CT • 64 Huntington St., Shelton, CT • 203.429.4406 • www.integrityacuct.com • DrAimee@IntegrityAcuCT.com
Kristina Mozzicato, LMT, BCTMB, Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness
10Best Massage Therapy/Bodywork/Chiropractic Physician
For the past 15 years, I have provided my clients with quality, customized therapeutic massage sessions. I am Board Certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) and enjoy furthering my knowledge and expertise by successfully completing continuing education courses on a regular basis. I have been interested in holistic health and healing from an early age and have discovered that massage therapy is a very effective modality for treating stress, as well as pain. I wanted to offer my clients a drug-free alternative for relaxation and pain relief.
I am also trained in cupping, MediCupping, and facial cupping rejuvenation. In my experience, incorporating cupping into the massage session yields superior results. Cupping is a type of myofascial release. The suction that is created inside the cup separates the fascial layers and helps to relieve muscle knots. It’s a fantastic alternative for clients who need their muscle knots and soreness addressed but perhaps cannot tolerate the potential discomfort of deep-tissue massage. Cupping is also excellent for reducing pain and inflammation, improving joint mobility, and increasing local circulation. It’s also effective in stimulating collagen production, resulting in firmer skin and diminished fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
I’m excited to offer a new service this summer: Gua Sha Facial Fusion. It combines Gua Sha, Thai Herbal Poultice, and Lymphatic Drainage. This therapy achieves noticeable results: reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, eye puffiness, and sagging skin.
Kristina Mozzicato, LMT, BCTMB, Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness • Farmington, CT • 860.778.0315 • www.abundanthealthct.com • info@abundanthealthct.com
Sharon Sklar, BFA, LMT, Certified Advanced Rolfer®
10Best Massage Therapy/Bodywork/Chiropractic Physician
When I was twenty-two years old, just out of college and absorbing everything I could about life, love, health, and connection, I had my first Rolfing session. During the second of the ten sessions, I received a loud and clear message that I was going to be a Rolfer and do this for the rest of my life.
I had a year or two of work, travel, and fun, figuring out who I was. I matured. I kept that clear, guided message close to my heart and soon started the two-year process to become a Rolfer.
My life has been devoted to the practice of Rolfing since 1981, when I was certified through the Dr. Ida Rolf® Institute in Boulder, Colorado. I continued my studies with Rolfing Movement Training, Advanced Rolfing Training, and Craniosacral® Manipulation with Dr. John Upledger, and pursued every course that made sense to me. I have also received EST Training, Landmark Education®, Living in Process® with Dr. Anne Wilson-Schaef, Yamuna® Body Rolling, a Year of Miracles® with Marci Shimoff, and most recently entered her Happiness for No Reason® Certification. Teachers show up for me just as Rolfing had shown up for me – it’s the life blood of my purpose on this planet.
I invite you to look at the order and balance found in nature and apply that to yourself. Do you suffer from past injuries, accidents, or traumas? Rolfing helps to re-establish order and restore natural movement.
Inquiries are encouraged. Celebrating 43 years! Voted Natural Nutmeg’s 10BEST Bodyworkers for the last five years.
Sharon Sklar, BFA, LMT, CAR, Certified Advanced Rolfer • West Hartford, CT • 860.561.4337 • www.SharonSklarRolfing.com