WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

The Testimonials written below are from students, patients and travelers who
have first hand information about the work done at CIHS.

CT INSTITUTE FOR HERBAL STUDIES

*I have taken the year long Chinese Herbology course along with a few of Laura's advanced classes and it has been a very enriching and enlightening endeavor. Laura is such a knowledgeable and down to earth teacher, you can't help but soak up her wisdom of practicing Chinese Medicine for over 10 years. Studying Chinese Herbology has been one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my life, thanks to a greater extent to Laura's clear and easy to understand format.
                                    L.S. Wallingford, CT

*To a wonderful, most positive influence that I was blessed to have introduced to me. Chinese Medicine has proved to be a profound way of healing and I look forward to attending more classes.
                                    Marybeth P. Danbury, CT

*I have found my experience with the Ct. Institute for Herbal Studies to be most joyful. the knowledge I have received has helped me immensely. I have taken Courses in Chinese Medicine, Aromatherapy, Acupressure, and some Western Herb classes and all of them were taught by experienced and wonderful teachers. I would encourage anyone to take advantage of this school that is in our back yard.
                                   Alma M. Staten Island, NY

*I wanted to tell you how I am now in Acupuncture school and doing really well (mostly A's) but that is ONLY because of the wonderful background I got at your school. Our teachers are all Chinese and it's hard to understand them most times. They usually go word from word from the book and we read and teach ourselves about herbs. This has really made me appreciate you and all the teachers at your school who gave us so much extra information that you just wouldn't get anywhere else. I had no idea how great this learning experience was until I had to put up with this type of training. I can only say that Chinese Medicine is what I love and I am forever grateful for you introducing it to me. I just wish I could study in the same way here as I did at your school.
                                 Gail C. Clearwater, FL

*I wanted take this time to thank you for the Chinese Herbology Program. You have been such a great teacher to me and I have learned more about the eight principle theory from you than from my classes in Chicago (Acupuncture School). People in my class who have studied in China or studied the Five Element theory are now learning the eight Principle theory for the first time and really struggling. All our teachers are NCCAOM acupuncturists and really emphasize this way of learning. I hope you realize what a great teacher you are and I am not just saying that! I miss everyone and plan on taking more classes at the Institute once I have graduated.
                                    Allyson S. Ficaca, DC Chicago,IL

*Upon reading your recent article in the Hartford Courant, we felt compelled to drop you a line. thank you for your continued efforts to educate women in particular, about the alternative that Chinese Herbal Medicine has to Offer. We know the difference it has made in our lives.
Wishing you continued success and happiness.
                                   Kathy F. & Christine R. Bristol, CT
Wow, I can't believe a year has gone by already. I want to thank you for helping "awaken" a new understanding of TCM: HERBS~
From a technical perspective, you are an excellent teacher and communicate the essential information needed to understand a very complex subject.
Even more important, spiritually you are a gifted healer whose enthusiasm is inspiring. I look forward to seeing you again in future classes.
                       D. M. of Suffield, CT/ DC, Dipl Ac

Laura Mignosa, Nationally Certified Chinese Herbologist

The herbal combinations you prescribed have done wonders for me, literally.
I took the herbs you gave me on Monday, and the very next day I noticed an increase in energy! In just one day! Lack of energy is something I have struggled with for a while because of my hypothyroidism. I seems hard to believe but I have been using the herbs for almost 2 months now and every day gets better and better as I have the energy to work out daily now.
The PROOF is in how I feel, and I feel better than I have in years. I'm so glad my friend introduced me to you...Traditional Chinese Medicine works!
Thank You so much!!!
T.S. Naugatuck, CT

I wish you continued success at your new facility which is wonderful (Love the parking!) As I look back over these 7 years I realize that without you my life wouldn't be the same. You have helped me through my health and emotional challenges. Health wise you are one of the reasons I continue to do so well. Thank you for bringing Chinese Medicine to my life.
P.B. West Hartford, CT.

* My hot flashes ruled my life and my response to my family and friends as well. Thank you so much for helping me get them under control since I am not able to use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). I do not know how I could live my life without your help and these herb formulas. They work so well! They have given me the power to control my life and added a gracefulness to my aging body! Thank you again,
N. S. Avon, Ct.

* The Chinese herbs that you have prescribed has helped me with my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) so much. I cannot tell you how many M.D.s I have gone to in hopes of helping me feel better. The stomach distress has lessened and the energy level has steadily increased. I am truly amazed at how well these herbs work for my body. Thank you.
T.A. Hartford, CT

* I needed to write and say I am so thrilled with the way I feel on the herb regimen. There is one real big major improvement - I just had my period and I had absolutely NO pain - unbelievable!! That alone is worth taking the herbs though I do notice more energy as well- I've never, since my teenage years, had a cycle without pain - I've always had to take Ibuprofen to counteract the pain - prior to the over-the-counter Advil, etc., I used to have a prescription of 800 mg per tablet of Ibuprofen, and usually had to take 2 tablets to get rid of the pain - it was that bad. Thank you so much for your help.
D.E. Simsbury, CT

PET THERAPY

My terrier, Tux, is not the same dog!!!! The Calm & Easy is working out so well with him - he's only 35 lbs., so even though he's hyper, I started out with only 1 dosage a day (1/3 tsp.) and it's unbelievable! He's so much calmer and at peace (which helps our other dog, a Rhodesian Ridgeback who is 80 lbs, who is normally very calm, but gets hyper when our terrier acts up). We had a friend who knows our terrier since a little puppy, and this friend couldn't believe the change in our terrier's temperment - it's that noticeable. The one dosage a day seems to be working fine, so I'm leaving it at that for now. Can't thank you enough for it!
D.P Terryville, CT

Georgia had been plagued with crystals for years. Sometimes serious enough to have surgery to remove them. It broke my heart! I learned of Crystal Clear from a Vet who said it would help and eventually found you. Thank God I did. I now use Crystal Clear every other day to make sure she will never have another operation. She is doing just wonderful and it has been over 2 years.
J.S. Avon, CT

Paddy is a highland terrier who would not be alive today (he is now 12 years old) had we not found Chinese Medicine to help him. Before using the herbs, Paddy was allergic to EVERYTHING and he would pull his hair out and bite his paws until they bled. Now he has a beautiful coat and no allergies. It is amazing that these herbs can work so
fast and even though we have used these herbs for over 6 years, there has been no side effects or problems. We can't
thank you enough for all your help.
S.L. Middlefield, CT

The Healing Oasis Veterinary Hospital in Sturtevant Wisconsin has been
using the Vet Therapy products since we opened our practice in 1993.
We have found exceptional results with Crystal Free and it is VERY successful
in working with urinary crystals of all and any types. We use it to drain off fluids
in swollen extremities as well, with good success. As always with Chinese medicine,
one must have a proper Chinese diagnosis for the herbs or formulas of choice to
work effectively.
We have seen no contraindications in this product and have used it in many different
species (including exotics such as iguanas and birds) and with all different age groups.
We use it for prevention in animals that are prone to making crystals (i.e. cats, dalmations)
however we must say this formula alone does not replace diet therapy. If an animal
has been diagnosed with any urinary crystals in the past, we try to figure out any
seasonal times this happens and then use Crystal Free for one month each year before
we see the problem again. When used with the correct Chinese diagnosis, we can honestly
say this has been the most helpful formula in our veterinary practice.
We have educated many veterinarians and technicians about this product
and have sold to hospitals all over the country with NO COMPLAINTS.
Every doctor that has prescribed this formula has been truly surprised
with the results Any further questions or comments, please feel free to call
our school 262-878-9549
                 Michelle J. Rivera, Healing Oasis Veterinary Hospital, Wisconsin
______________________________________________________________________________________
2008
Dear Laura,
     I want to thank you so much for your help in getting the herb formula PAIN FREE for my dog Maxine.
It has been a little over a month and I have seen a big improvement in her mood and mobility. She is so much
happier and that makes me happy!
             L. L. Hamden, CT

(Pet Therapy manufactures many products including Crystal Clear and the veterinary version
of the formula called Crystal Free, developed by Arthur Shattuck, herbalist and acupuncturist)

China Tours (Since 1996):
(See pictures and itinerary on our China Tour page)

**Excellent Learning experience! A safe and fun adventure. The Hotel in Beijing was exquisite and the hotel in the Old City of Lijiang was other-worldly. Each location was special in its own way I truly enjoyed the countryside and small villages the best. The optional tours were fun and an added value. I especially liked the Reflexology massage in Beijing and the hiking to Tiger Leaping Gorge in the mountains of Lijiang.
A.C. Milford, CT

** I thought the best part of the trip to China to be the flexibility to operate separate from the main group as well as the eclectic mix of travelers. The different experiences, interests and goals of each person made for a great rarity in group experiences. I was greatly impressed with the skills and professionalism of our guides, interpreters and teachers as well. I loved the opportunity to experience the culture 1st hand, especially when we dined with a village family outside of Lijiang on their farm and orchard. The food was superb (flash fried pumpkin blossoms, home made goat cheese, pumpkin soup)...all yummy!
J.R. New York, NY.

**The balance of free time and planned activity was just right for this type of trip to China. It was a great introduction to the hospital teaching enviroment,. especially the clinics which were very, very valuable.
M.K. Marlborough, CT

** The hotel in Beijing offered Superior accommodations in the best part of the city. We could feel safe walking at any time and the English speaking staff were always there to help us find new things to experience. The pool, sauna and steam room were incredible! The city of Lijiang was so peaceful. I could have stayed for a month. The snow capped mountain tops and the slow pace of the people transported me to a haven of contemplation. It was incredible.. I could have listened to our tour guides all day. They were so informative and helpful. I opted only to partake of a few of the optional tours offered, but they were all so affordable, I wish we had more time in China to see more. The Peking Opera and Minority shows were beyond belief. I am in love with China and her people and wish everyone could see the country before we lose it's culture.
G.H. Coventry, CT

**This will be my 5th year traveling to China with Laura and the Ct. Institute for Herbal Studies. I absolutely love the free time available to us for discovering all the city has to offer. I love finding out-of- the way eating places and just people watching. There is always something to do and we all feel safe and cared for without being "herded" by any one person's agenda. It is a great feeling to be able to say that I have made many good friends in Beijing that will last a life time. Each year it amazes me to see how much changes, yet the soul of the people remain the same. I do not believe there is a better trip for the money anywhere!
M.A. Wethersfield, CT