Intrinsic Health Source Re-establishes Roots in Town

Jeannine Capria said circumstances in her life had always pushed her towards a career in holistic medicine.

"I did not choose it," she said. "But it chose me and ended up being my passion."  

Capria, a 1990 graduate of Masuk High School, is now sharing that passion and fulfilling a dream with the opening of Intrinsic Health Source located at 238 Monroe Turnpike.

The business, open since April, specializes in holistic therapies and wellness services providing foot reflexology, Reiki, Chakra Balancing and intrinsic coaching therapies for everything from stress to chronic pain and disease management.

Capria, a registered nurse and certified health education specialist with a Masters Degree in integrative health, said her love for holistic medicine was sparked while working as a health educator at St. Vincent's Medical Center.

While some may say the holistic healing approach is a "placebo effect," Capria says, adding she has witnessed therapies work on others as a medical professional and on herself as a patient.  

Working with cancer patients as a member of the hospitals oncology and wellness teams, Capria saw the treatments in action and was amazed by the success.

"I was like wow, that's interesting," she said. "And the patients had such a great response to it."

Several years later, Capria was afflicted with a condition that mimics the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis and suffered from "excruciating" pain and the inability to walk for a period of time.

While discussing her treatment plan with her doctor, Capria said she wanted to use an integrative approach.  

At first, Capria said her doctor was an "optimistic skeptic," but agreed to incorporate it into her plan.

Capria said due to Reiki and pain threshold management treatments, she healed much quicker than anyone anticipated and without taking any pain medications.

"At that point I knew I wanted to do my graduate studies in integrative medicine and I did," she said.

In 2008, while working for Managed Care Insurance after the hospital downsized her department, Capria turned down a higher position with the company and decided to open her own business.  

"I knew I needed to do something different," she said. "I am going to take the risk and the chance to have my own practice."

Capria started with a very small clientele through building relationships with Artemis Morris, a naturopathic doctor, and chiropractor, Dr. Sharon Weicman, working as a contractor in their offices.

With growing numbers in her clientele, Capria moved back to town from Fairfield and rented space on Monroe Turnpike for her practice in April. She shares the space with other therapists and social workers.

"If a client needs therapies that go beyond my scope of practice, I will recommend other professionals," she said. "That is why it is great being here with social workers."

Capria meets with her clientele to set up individualized plans to enhance traditional medical treatment that addresses the body, mind and spirit.

"My goal is to bridge the gap between conventional and complementary medicine," she said.

Capria has teamed up with friend, Laurie Millo, also a Masuk High School graduate and a licensed massage therapist who provides treatments at the Monroe location.

In addition to her practice, Capria has also partnered with Griffin Hospital to present wellness information at several corporate events and conducts health lectures at Edith Wheeler Memorial Library.

Capria said that, unfortunately, holistic treatments are currently not covered by health insurance, but added she periodically provides coupons and discounts for services.

"It has really been great that we get to come back to our town where we grew up and provide a valuable service," she said. "We have had a wonderful response."

One client, Joan Johnson of Trumbull, who receives Reiki and reflexology treatments following rotator cuff surgery on her shoulder called Capria a miracle worker.

"In just a few sessions I feel much more calm and peaceful," she said. "Patience is important with pain management and I already feel better."

Intrinsic Health Source is open by appointment only and Capria suggests people interested in treatment call ahead for an intake meeting.  

For more information, contact Intrinsic Health Source at (203) 450-0786 or visit www.intrinsichealthsource.com.