Twenty years ago, Dr. Diane Gioia-Bargonetti was diagnosed with the most virulent form of skin cancer:  melanoma. The prognosis was grim as she was given approximately one year to live. The enormity of this situation motivated Gioia-Bargonetti to explore all avenues of alternative medicine while simultaneously seeking conventional treatment in an attempt to save her life.

She passionately experimented with holistic remedies including but not limited to: iridology, colonic irrigations, juice, herbal and vitamin therapies, diet overhaul, digestion, circulation and lymphatic stimulation, Edgar Cayce theories and treatments, and so forth, in a courageous effort to fight the cancer.

In the process, Dr. Bargonetti's body began a remarkable journey as it cleansed and renewed itself, eventually rendering it not only cancer-free —but also cellulite-free! Her friends and associates, although alarmed by her dismal diagnosis, were obsessed with curiosity about her elusive secrets to actually getting rid of cellulite.

These endless cellulite-related questions motivated Dr. Gioia-Bargonetti, affectionately known as "Dr. Di," to create an informal cellulite study over the Internet. Armed with a renewed exuberance for life and fortified by her own personal success, Dr. Di earnestly began investigating the mysterious questions surrounding the cellulite issue like: What exactly is cellulite? What role, if any, does heredity play in this condition? How are diet, digestion, the colon, the lymph system, circulation, and exercise related to cellulite? Are the anti-cellulite products on the market today offering legitimate solutions or false hope? Are we destined to live with cellulite or can we, contrary to popular opinion, effectively adjust our lifestyles to "heal" the condition known as cellulite once and for all?

Dr. Di eventually wrote a book, Journey to Living Healthy and Cellulite-Free, in which she shares the answers to these questions and more, plus delicious, healthy recipes. The book is also a journal of Dr. Diane Gioia-Bargonetti's personal journey to wellness and subsequent freedom from cellulite, as well as the data and input from her Internet study, which involved hundreds of women around the world.

Dr. Diane Gioia-Bargonetti, N.D. now holds a Master of Science in Natural Health degree with honors and a Doctor of Naturopathy degree with high honors that she was awarded in August of 2001. She feels she obtained her alternative health education and degrees at a crucial time in history as she began utilizing her alternative medicine expertise with the FDNY shortly after the September 11, 2001 tragedy. Her goal in that work, is to improve the health and quality of life for the brave firefighters of New York City. To date, she continues this work and considers it a mark of excellence in her life and career.

Before turning to alternative health care, Dr. Di utilized her previous music degrees, taking her through a teaching career, tenure as a television/film/music producer and executive at RKO Pictures, and finally to a performing and composing career.

Her television work includes many health related projects as well as significant music productions — including her Emmy-nominated production of the Broadway Show, Lena Horne: The Lady & Her Music, for Showtime and PBS. While producing this show Dr. Di met her future husband and writing partner, musician, Steve Bargonetti.

Together the Bargonettis' music credits include off-Broadway shows, television shows, commercials, film projects, etc. Now combining her Dr. of Naturopathy degree with their music credentials, the Bargonettis create music that heals… They employ various scientific principles to include the physics of sound and tonal relationships to color and music key assignments, combining them with their own personal musical performing talents to create mesmerizing musical treatises like the CD entitled Clarus Cellulite included with the book, Journey to Living Healthy and Cellulite-Free.

A true Renaissance woman, Dr. Di also writes a health column, Lifestyle Notes, for the newspaper, Allegro, and is a contributing writer to the national A.R.E.'s Venture Inward magazine. (See her article on a holistic approach to grieving in the current issue.)

Naturopaths work with diet, nutrition, colon cleansing, herbs/vitamins, homeopathy, tongue and pulse analysis, aromatherapy, music therapy, Chinese medicine, hydrotherapy, iridology, reflexology, massage, acupressure, the Violet Ray, castor oil packs, energy medicine like therapeutic touch, qigong, and more.

Dr. Di begins her practice at the A.R.E. of New York Holistic Center this month and is offering a generous gift to Center Members:  Until 2005, she will reduce the fee for her initial appointment, normally $150, to $50 for Members.   Call 212-691-7690 for further information or appointments.