December 2020 Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine

E FR

E

HEALTHY

LIVING

SIMPLIFY

THE SEASON

HEALTHY

PLANET

Eco-Friendly Holiday Ideas The Gift of Festive Food

Healthy Merry-Making Recipes

HOMETOWN BENEFITS OF

SHOPPING LOCAL

THE HEALING POWER OF

Singing

December 2020 | Chicago | NAChicago.com

IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR PARTNER HAS LAUNCHED ®

TRANSFORMING YOUR HEALTH CARE TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH & WELL-BEING Natural Awakenings is honored to give our dedicated readers the opportunity to be among the first members welcomed into the KnoWEwell community. With gratitude for our 26 years of readership and support, through our mission-aligned collaborative partnership with KnoWEwell, we are pleased to gift both individuals and providers with:

FREE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP - FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

“There is no simple way to describe KnoWEwell but Think Big! WebMD, meets Match.com, HomeAdvisor, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Indeed for Regenerative Whole Health, all in one place for the benefit of everyone.”

Joe Dunne, Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp., COO

Join for FREE at KnoWEwell.com INDIVIDUALS CODE: NAIL160

PROVIDERS CODE: NAIL1300

(a $60 value)

(a $300 value)

A Top 50 Healthcare Company 2019

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Chicago

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The KnoWEwell Collaborative with benefits for all in the RWH and well-being ecosystem.

Is Your Gut Working for You… …or Against You?

Gut is Where Good Health Begins We Can Help!

About a 100 million Americans suffer from a digestive problem, which can wreak havoc throughout the body causing abdominal pain and distension, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, rosacea and overall GI symptoms and has been linked to:

Hello, I’m Dr. Meena, MD, Medical Director of the Heal n Cure Wellness Center in Glenview.

We have helped thousands of patients feel better, improve their digestion and get back to good health.

“I have not had a doctor and staff care so much in a long time. My only regret is not taking this step sooner! I feel better than I have in years!” ~Anna M.

● Allergies ● Asthma ● Headaches ● Eczema ● Arthritis ● Autoimmune diseases ● Chronic Fatigue ● Numerous other health issues ...

You do not need to suffer with frustrating gut symptoms!

At Heal n Cure, we take a Functional Medicine approach to diagnose and improve gut health and its related symptoms. By focusing on the Microbiome, we work with you as a team to treat all digestive conditions including Leaky Gut and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

To learn more about the treatment, schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our Wellness Coordinator at

847-686-4444

HealnCure.com

New Location! 2420 RAVINE WAY, STE 400 • GLENVIEW December 2020

3

Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of nearly 60 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

18

18 PAY WHERE WE PLAY Boosting the Hometown Economy

20

20 SING TO HEAL Using the Voice to Uplift Mind and Body

22 BIOIDENTICAL

HORMONE THERAPY GAINING GROUND

23 EMOTIONAL HEALTH

26

for a Covid-19 Holiday

24 MIND-BODY FITNESS How Mindfulness Benefits Workouts

26 THE GIFT OF YUM

Homemade Treats Spark Holiday Cheer

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 847-858-3697 or email info@NAChicago.com. Deadline for complete and finalized ads: the 14th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Amy@NAChicago.com.

Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

30 AFTERNOON TEA AND COOKIES

32 HOW TO GROW

BASIL AND TOMATOES Year-Round

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit online at: NAChicago.com/events/new or email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NAChicago.com. Deadline for calendar: the 8th of the month.

34 ARCHITECTURE

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

36 FRESH RITUALS

4

Chicago

NAChicago.com

32

AND DESIGN

Can Improve Well-Being

FOR A NEW YEAR

34

A whole-body proactive approach to personal health.

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5

from the publisher…

A

s I sit down to write this end-of-year letter, I have a mug of hot tea poured and am reflecting on ways that we can build new traditions, share of ourselves and support our communities. Holiday traditions constantly evolve, and this year will certainly break new ground for how family and friends celebrate. We intend for the December issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago to foster a balance of wellness and sustainability with take-action articles, recipes and ideas.

Keeping things simple this year may help us to stay more positive, reduce stress and make our celebrations memorable while reinforcing that the spirit of the season and gratitude matter far more than material things.

Shifting the gifts we choose to handmade and unique items Peggy Malecki purchased locally or bought from small online sellers rather than mass-marketed stuff can bring a new level of consciousness to the holidays. Purposeful gifting keeps money in our local economy, connects us to the people and resources behind what we buy and makes our purchases more impactful and sustainable. Our choices will keep small, local businesses energized now and into 2021. Many stores, services, independent garden centers, holiday entertainers and others rely on this season for much of their annual income . Whenever possible, think small business/website shopping, fair trade items, books and music from independent sellers, handmade holiday wreaths and beautiful plants, or vintage and upcycled gifts. Hire virtual musical artists for family Zoom gatherings. Give local business gift certificates, services, lessons or CSA shares that your loved ones will look forward to enjoying in the spring and summer.

Get creative this year! Handmade food items, prints of favorite photos, a rooted cutting from a houseplant, crafts, past vacation mementos or other personal items can build new traditions and lasting memories. Host Zoom sessions to share cherished family recipes (kolacký, anyone?), swap stories and pass along traditions. Or build nature connections—think birdfeeders, spring seeds and gardening supplies, museum memberships or perhaps an online course in bird identification or landscape photography.

Consider a local (virtual) holiday table this year by sourcing foods to give or serve from community grocery stores, farms, co-ops and specialty shops. By gathering ingredients this way, you’ll support local organic farmers, increase sustainability and add freshness and nutrition to holidays meals. Maybe try a ready-made cake or pie from a neighborhood bakery (many deliver). Get online delivery from Midwest farms of cheeses, jams, honey and dried fruits, locally milled flours, decorations and gift items, as well as one-time or subscription produce boxes. Resources to check out include BuyFreshBuyLocal.org/ Illinois, GreenCityMarket.org/farmers and GrainCollaborative.org.

More than ever, please support others in the ways you are able. Share your abundance, talents, time and money to support and lift up our neighbors, those we’ve not met, organizations, animals and the Earth. From food and resource donations to shoveling a walk for an elderly neighbor, volunteering with a support group, or awarding a smile and generous tip to a tired delivery driver, each of us can help someone else every day in our own way. Give it forward with your actions, words and caring.

As always, I encourage you to step outside your door every day to observe the colors of the sunset or the grays of a cloudy day, listen for the bugling of sandhill cranes or geese far overhead and pause to wonder at the patterns of frost on the window or savor the silence of a snowfall at dusk.

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Chicago

I wish you the peace of the season – happy holidays!

NAChicago.com

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

CHICAGO EDITION Publisher Peggy Malecki

Circulation Manager Jim Irwin

Sales & Marketing Peggy Malecki

Carrie Jackson Heidi Hetzel Dee Bayro Operations Amy Hass

Kyle Hass Editors Marty Miron Theresa Archer

Randy Kambic Writers Carrie Jackson Megy Karydes Sheryl DeVore

Design & Production Suzzanne Siegel

Martin Friedman

CONTACT US Natural Awakenings Chicago P.O. Box 72, Highland Park, IL 60035 Ph: 847-858-3697 • Fax: 888-858-3107 Info@NAChicago.com • NAChicago.com Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $29 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

Art Director Josh Pope

Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert

Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan

© 2020 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Natural Awakenings is printed on non-glossy paper to protect the environment

Libertyville

is the New Home of

The Tummy Whisperer.

Reneé S. Barasch, LDH S , Certified Digestive Health Specialist, is now exclusively at ADIO Chiropractic Clinic in Libertyville; teaming up with Dr. Danny McLane at 316 Peterson Road.

Set up your appointment today to discuss any digestive and health concerns you may have. Let’s get you feeling better.

Call Today for a FREE 15 minute consultation.

847- 207- 20 34

We're Now Open Again!

For more detail on Reneé’s work see pg 39

Digestive Health Solutions thetummywhi sperer.com

December 2020

7

news briefs

KnoWEwell Platform Offers One-Year Free Memberships in December

Photo Credit Lou Malnati's

K

noWEwell, a collaborative partner with the Natural Awakenings family of publishers, is offering individuals and providers the opportunity to receive a complimentary one-year membership to its global community and marketplace. The KnoWEwell platform is a comprehensive online destination for today’s trusted Regenerative Whole Health knowledge, resources and community. Through its use, subscribers can find access to vetted, evidence-based resources for health, wellness and sustainability. Individuals, providers and experts can communicate and work together in an interactive, vibrant online community.

“We are an ecosystem collaborating to inspire and empower individuals to achieve WELLthier Living. Join the movement as we share knowledge and healing success stories, provide access to evidence-based resources, create meaningful connections and help today’s providers, mission-aligned nonprofits and businesses opportunities prosper. We are transforming the health care we know,” says Kimberly Whittle, Founder and CEO.

“Natural Awakenings is honored to give our dedicated readers the opportunity to be among the first members welcomed into the KnoWEwell community. With gratitude for our 26 years of readership and support, through our mission-aligned collaborative partnership with KnoWEwell, for a limited time we are pleased to gift both individuals and providers with free annual memberships,” says Sharon Bruckman, Founder and CEO.

Lou Malnati’s Tastes of Chicago Begins Shipping Deep Dish Gluten-Free Pizza Online

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For more information, visit KnoWEwell.com and see the ad on page 2, which includes the free membership codes during this limited time offer.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Happy Allergen-Free Holidays!

T

his year there truly is no place like home for the holidays. Celebrate this unique holiday season with GF Mom Certified and the second annual allergen-sensitive holiday guide, There’s No Place like Home for the Holidays. This healthy, lifestyle-focused digital issue is free and features resources for those in the allergen- and gluten-free community, holiday gift suggestions, inspiration for home entertaining, how-to articles and recipes, exclusive coupon codes and more. The guide has great ideas for gift giving in support of small businesses and brands we trust for those you love.

Join Hinton and fellow wellness warriors on Instagram at @gfmomcertifed for more live interviews, cooking and crafting demonstrations, giving away of free gifts and providing a chance for the community to celebrate the holiday season.

The holiday guide is free and exclusively available at NAChicago.com/GFMom-holidayguide2020. Make sure not to miss out on the fun by following GF Mom Certified on social media @gfmomcertified. See ad on page 9 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

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Chicago

NAChicago.com

Photo Credit Megan Holly Photography

“Happy Holidays from the GF Mom Certified family to yours. We wish you a season filled with warmth and joy. We encourage you this year to support local small businesses and share the gift of love this season.” —Tiffany Hinton, GF Mom Certified.

he oldest family name in Chicago-style pizza, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, headquartered in Northbrook, is now offering a new, gluten-free, deep dish option online at TastesOfChicago.com and which will be available in stores in January 2021. The pizzas are available in cheese to start, with sausage and pepperoni options coming soon after.

Each pizza is handmade from scratch with Lou’s recipe for a gluten-free crust, made primarily from rice flour, and the same high-quality ingredients that people love. The company’s Tastes of Chicago division has been shipping Chicago’s most iconic foods nationwide for more than 30 years.

Owner Marc Malnati says, “We’re committed to providing quality products that taste delicious. While developing this gluten-free crust, we would not compromise, no matter how long it took. The recipe was a labor of love and it was developed and refined by our team relentlessly, until they could proudly give it the Malnati seal of approval. We’re excited for our customers to try it, and know it will be worth the wait!”

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria has more than 60 locations in the Chicagoland area, Arizona, Indiana and Wisconsin. A member of the Malnati family has been running the business since it started in 1971. The Malnati’s signature deep dish is made from a secret family recipe that has been handed down through four generations.

For more information or to order, visit TastesOfChicago.com. See ad on page 9 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

It isn’t the great big pleasures that count the most; it’s making a great deal out of the little ones. ~Jean Webster

New!

GLUTEN FREE

DEEP DISH

PIZZA Lou Malnati’s new hand-made from scratch gluten free deep dish cheese pizzas are now available for shipping!

Great taste and worth the wait!

VV ORDER

TODAY VV

tastesofchicago.com 800-568-8646

December 2020

9

news briefs

A

DIO Chiropractic Clinic, in Libertyville, is offering special packages to help with winter wellness, detox and weight loss. Danny McLane, DC, specializes in solving complex and difficult cases. He and Certified Digestive Health Specialist Reneé S. Barasch address three areas of stress—physical, mental and Danny McLane, DC and Reneé S. Barasch chemical—to find a novel solution.

ADIO provides comprehensive chiropractic care and functional medicine treatments.

G6 Test-6 Steps To Wellness corrects the 30 worst variations in the genetic code and the six parts of wellness.

The Digestive Therapy package is customized to correct nutritional imbalances that can cause chronic symptoms.

AK Chronic (Applied Kinesiology) is a system of diagnostics and treatment that helps to restore normal function to the body that has been lost due to stress over time.

Ionic detox sessions can help facilitate the removal of toxins (free radicals) to feel more energy and less sluggish.

Lipo laser uses the body’s inherent photobiomodulation system to increase metabolic output and burn fat in targeted areas while increasing healing and reducing scar formation.

Location: 316 Peterson Rd., Libertyville. For more information and to appointments and more information, call 847-816-3350 or visit TheTummyWhisperer.com and ADIOClinic.com. See ads on pages 7, 13 and 39, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Holland Presents Bridging Two Realms: Communicating with the Other Side

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ohn Holland, bestselling Hay House author of Bridging Two Realms: Learn to Communicate with Your Loved Ones on the Other Side, will speak at 7 p.m., December 3, via Zoom.

Participants will gain skills and specific techniques to enhance their John Holland abilities to connect with spirit and acquire information about the psychic foundation upon which mediumship is built. A special opportunity to watch Holland do live readings for some participants is included.

Cost is $35. For more information and to register, visit InfinityFoundation.org. A link will be emailed after registering. The Zoom class will also be recorded for later viewing. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

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Chicago

NAChicago.com

Learn More About Our Local Food System

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abe Brown will present Regenerative Agriculture: Details of a Profitable Journey at 1 p.m., December 13 via Zoom as part of the McHenry County College fall speaker series, Forefront: Ideas in Food and Farming, hosted by the Center for Agrarian Learning. Brown is a nationally recognized North Gabe Brown Dakota farmer and rancher who stands at the forefront of the regenerative agriculture movement, known for popularizing the concept of cover crop cocktails as a key strategy for jumpstarting soil health and nourishing soil biology.

Brown will talk about how healthy ecosystems follow six consistent principles that are the same for farms, ranches and gardens. Understanding how to work with instead of against them leads to healthy soil, plants and animals, healthier people and higher profits. He will share the story of how he and his family took a broken, degraded and unprofitable farm and regenerated it into a healthy and profitable one teeming with life by following nature’s principles.

Admission is free with registration at Tinyurl.com/RegenerativeAgriculture. See ad on page 13.

Mindful Aromatherapy Bundles Available for the Holidays

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rittany Hogan, of Nefertem Holistic Skincare, offers an ideal way to support mindful living practices during these trying times by using handmade, aromatherapy-infused skincare and conscious intent. Three-piece bundles for relaxation, inspiration, purification and balance include all-natural soap, moisturizer and aroma spray.

Bundles are also available in prewrapped gift sets which include three free gifts: a crystal, lip balm and eBook ($70 value) for $45.

For many, the holidays bring on anxiety and stress while trying to plan, shop, prepare and deliver gifts. Living in the moment, taking time to pause, breathe and reflect, becomes more important than ever.

Shop Small. Shop Local. For orders to arrive by the holidays, order at NefertemNaturals.com by Dec. 15. Daily inspiration to support conscious intent is available on Facebook. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Photo Credit McHenry County College

Winter Wellness Specials at ADIO Chiropractic

Stay Fit During the Pandemic

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owena Dziubla, owner and head coach of GET FIT EGV, in Elk Grove Village, has expanded their gym hours to accommodate the new schedules of those that continue to work from home as well as those that have gone back to the office. Functional training semi-private classes are held at 5:15 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. almost every day of the week, with high-intensity interval training classes taking place on Saturday and Sunday mornings, outdoor weather permitting.

Attendance per class is limited in order to comply with published health and safety guidelines.

Coach Ro also offers personal training by appointment at some of the lowest rates in the Village. She says, “Working out at these big-box gyms during this time is just not safe, so why not kickstart your health and immune system with GET FIT EGV instead. Let’s get fit together!”

Location: 1100 Nerge Rd., Ste. 206. For more information and any schedule updates, call 773-819-7459 or visit GetFitegv.com. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

We’re Open and Ready With the emergence of COVID-19, a safe and sterile environment has never been more important.

We have gone above and beyond the required and suggested guidelines for COVID-19 protection, and are open and ready for your emergency and non-emergency dental services.

In response to COVID-19 economic conditions, our office is continuing to help where we can by offering:

50% Off New Patient Exams X-rays at No Charge with Paid Cleaning 30% Off Fillings

Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Dr. Andie Pearson, DMD Essentially Pure Cosmetic & Family Dentistry 1535 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 108, Northbrook To schedule: (847) 977-1655 EssentiallyPureDental.com DISCOUNT CANNOT COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.

I hope that people will finally come to realize that there is only one race–the human race– and that we are all members of it. ~Margaret Atwood

Saturday, December 5th, 1-5 pm

Angel Day

with Janel and Philip Clark (Onsite) Identify your Birth Angels.

Use crystals for the Angelic realm.

Angel Consultations will be offered.

A.R.E. members $50/$55

Saturday, December 12th, 6-7:30 pm

Amazing Gong Journey w Sound Healer Andre Peraza (Onsite) $25 Bring yoga mat, favorite pillow, blanket.

Sunday, December 13th, 2-3:30 pm

Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E.

HolisticCenter

259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines IL 60016 • HolisticCenterChicago.com

Crystal Academy

Spiritual Growth with Janel (Onsite) $15 and Personal Connect with the Divine. Bring in peace, harmony, joy.

Development

Holistic Health • Spiritual Growth • Meditation • Psychic Development

Visit our website:

www.holisticcenterchicago.com December 2020

11

news briefs

Kadampa Offers New Programs in January

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adampa Meditation Center (KMC) Chicago, in Oak Park, will host monthly workshops and retreats via livestream in the coming year, as well as weekly drop-in meditation classes that emphasize gaining deep spiritual experience to integrate into daily life. On January 2, 2021, a workshop, Forget Willpower, Try Wisdom, will help anyone establish long-term healthy spiritual habits, followed by a one-week meditation retreat on the stages of the path to Enlightenment from January 14 through 19.

A beginner-friendly Learn to Meditate workshop is offered on January 23.

Gen Kelsang Zamling Gen Kelsang Zamling, ordained Buddhist monk and principal meditation teacher at KMC Chicago, says, “Now more than ever, we need to cultivate the inner protection of spiritual experience, because our normal methods to protect ourselves from our inner problems of anger, depression and unhappiness are not working, and as a society we don’t know how practically to solve our local and world problems and to live in harmony with one another.”

Location: 13 Harrison St. Register at MeditateInChicago.org. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Eco Salon Escape has Moved to Northbrook Location

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or those that believe beauty shouldn’t be harmful to their health or the planet, Escape Eco Salon has moved to 1892 Techny Court, in Northbrook. Gift certificate patrons will receive $10 off on their services. There is plenty of easy, free parking in front of the salon, which is especially convenient in the winter months.

Owner Jasmine Metz says, “Our mission is to provide safer, natural beauty products that perform to the highest standards.

We provide superior organic products that give our guests a more pleasant salon experience, gorgeous longer lasting results, beautiful color and healthier hair. Immerse yourself in our small, peaceful, nontoxic COVID-safe salon. Enjoy our eclectic space and leave your stress behind!”

For more information or to make an appointment, call 847-753-9000. See ad on page 23 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

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Chicago

NAChicago.com

Purple Sprout Has Moved to Buffalo Grove

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urple Sprout Conscious Organics has relocated to a new location at 364 Lexington Drive, in Buffalo Grove, and revamped their website, PurpleSprout.com/meal-plans-purple-sprout.

They are offering new, organic vegan meal plans, delivered in eco-friendly packaging.

Co-owner Irina Ra says, “We look at the food from the standpoint of nutrients, energetic composition and potency, and seasonality. Our food, mostly made from scratch, is designed to create balance between body, mind and spirit, self and nature. Our dishes are guided by a fusion of macrobiotic, Ayurvedic and raw food principles using local ingredients as much as possible. We also make delicious vegan, dairy-free and soy-free desserts!”

She notes, “We want to introduce many more people in the community to organic whole foods plant-based living and to show how tasteful healthy food really is.”

For more information, call 224-223-7133. See ad on page 31 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Relax for the Holidays in Grayslake

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overeign Body Massage, in Grayslake, is offering 25 percent off for a 60-minute massage in December to give customers a chance to pause, have their aches and pains addressed and allow their breath rate to slow—perhaps for the first time in months.

Owner Claire Panger says, “Let us attend to stress that shows up as neck, shoulder or back pain. Experience the power of massage to remind you of your wholeness. In the midst of 2020 challenges and upcoming holidays, there is no better time for self-care, an investment in your health.

Sovereign Body Massage’s mission is to help ‘awaken coherency, within and without.’”

Location: 262 E. Belvidere Rd. For more information, to make appointments or obtain gift certificates, call 224-627-7355 or visit SovereignBodyMassage.com.

Conditions change regularly.

Be sure to follow all current local, state and CDC COVID-19 guidelines for facial coverings and social distancing, and observe all local closures.

Handmade Eco-Friendly Garments for the Holidays and Beyond

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idwest Moon Organics, a Wisconsinbased women-run clothing, herbal and arts online shop owned by seamstress Amethyst Harle, offers clothing for the whole family, accessories, herbal products and one-of-a-kind items. She says, “I strive to offer durable, eco-friendly clothing for kids and adults. I use mainly hemp fabric and hand dye with a low-water technique.”

The one-stop slow fashion shop provides handmade, hand-dyed, hemp clothing that can be custom made, and is comfortable, durable, stylish and also eco-friendly. Slow fashion is an awareness approach to fashion purchasing that considers the process and resources used in the clothing industry.

Harle says, “I am a self-taught seamstress and have been sewing since 2006. My love of art has been with me since childhood. My inspirations come from many things—mainly nature, spirituality and life events.”

For more information and to order, visit MidwestMoonOrganics.com. See ad on page 15 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

A CENTER FOR DENTAL HEALING

• Safe Amalgam Removal • BPA-free Fillings & Sealants

Upcoming sessions explore the whole grain supply chain, and regenerative agriculture.

View the complete fall lineup and register for free at www.mchenry.edu/forefront.

Crystal Lake, IL

Winter Wellness Specials at

ADIO Chiropractic

ADIO Chiropractic Clinic, in Libertyville,

is offering special packages to help with winter wellness, detox and weight loss.

Danny McLane, DC, specializes in solving complex cases. He and Certified Digestive Health Specialist Reneé Barasch address three areas of stress: physical, mental and chemical to find novel solutions.

ADIO provides comprehensive chiropractic care and functional medicine treatments.

This test corrects the 30 worst variations in the genetic code and the 6 parts of wellness in the order your body wants to be corrected.

• Metal-Free Crowns • Sleep Apnea & TMJ Appliances

• Non-Surgical Gum Therapies

A virtual speaker series featuring the most innovative thinkers and doers in the food economy.

G6 Test • 6 Steps To Wellness $500

• Ozone Therapy

• Non-Acrylic Night Guards and Partials

Ideas in Food and Farming

Dr. Alla Aver, DDS

• Dental Homeopathy • Whole-Body Preventive Care Most Insurance Plans Accepted • Discount Plan for Uninsured Patients

Ionic Detox • 5 Sessions $300

The Center For Disease Control reports that up to 85% of all illnesses are caused by pollutants in our bodies. An Ionic Detox can help to facilitate the removal of these toxins and help you feel more energetic and less sluggish.

Lipo Laser • 5 Sessions $400

Do you have stubborn fat? Lipo laser uses the body’s inherent photobiomodulation (PMB) system to increase metabolic output and burn fat in targeted areas, while also increasing healing and reducing scar formation.

Digestive Therapy Package $720

This package is custom made to correct nutritional imbalances that can cause chronic symptoms. If you feel like you don’t know which foods may be causing your symptoms, this is a great place to start.

316 Peterson Road, Libertyville

ADIO

For appointments and more information,

call 847-816-3350

or visit TheTummyWhisperer.com and ADIOClinic.com

2400 RAVINE WAY, SUITE 400, GLENVIEW 847-998-5100 • www.GlenviewSmiles.com

December 2020

13

health briefs

Retain Muscle Mass with Vitamin C

prathsnap/Pexels.com

“Bulking up” evokes images of bodybuilders and possible steroid use, but new research shows that older people that simply eat lots of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables have greater skeletal muscle mass than those that don’t eat these foods. Researchers from the UK’s University of East Anglia collected data from more than 13,000 people between 42 and 82 years old and reported in The Journal of Nutrition that the highest amounts of vitamin C correlated with the greatest estimated skeletal muscle mass—an important finding, as people older than 50 typically lose half a percent of muscle fat each year, leading to frailty and a lower quality of life. Sixty percent of men in the study and 50 percent of women were not getting enough vitamin C from food or supplements. “We’re not talking about people needing megadoses. Eating a citrus fruit such as an orange each day and having a vegetable side to a meal will be sufficient for most people,” says study co-author Richard Hayhoe.

Gluten Can Trigger Leaky Gut and Other Conditions

by Meena Malhotra A common disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, which occurs when cells in the lining of the GI tract, which are tightly sealed together in a healthy gut, become loose in genetically susceptible individuals due to chronic exposure to nutrient-depleted and synthetic foods. Over time, these leaky junctions lead to a trajectory of allergy spectrum disorders like asthma, hives, eczema, rhinitis and headaches, as well as autoimmunity like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease (Tinyurl.com/LeakyGutLeakyBrain).

Leaky gut syndrome, long associated with celiac disease, is widely known in complementary/alternative medicine circles as an increase in the permeability of the intestinal mucosa, which could allow bacteria, toxic digestive metabolites, bacterial toxins and small molecules to leak into the bloodstream. Nervous system involvement with celiac disease is known to occur even at subclinical levels.

Gluten and gluten sensitivity are considered to trigger this syndrome in individuals genetically predisposed to celiac disease. However, the incidence of celiac disease in the general population is quite low. Nevertheless, increased public interest in gluten sensitivity has contributed to expanded food labels stating “gluten-free” and the proliferation of gluten-free products, which further drives gluten-free lifestyle changes by individuals without celiac disease. Moreover, systemic inflammation is associated with celiac disease, depression and psychiatric comorbidities. The question is whether a gluten-free diet is important for anyone or only those with celiac disease.

Meena Malhotra, M.D., ABIM, ABOM, is the medical director of Heal n Cure, located at 2420 Tavine Way, Ste 400, in Glenview. For more information, call 847-686-4444 or visit HealnCure.com. See ad on page 3, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

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Eat Cruciferous Veggies for Cleaner Blood Vessels

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Pile on the broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. In a study of 684 older Australian women published in the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers found those that ate more than 45 grams of cruciferous vegetables a day—about one-quarter cup of steamed broccoli or one-half cup of raw cabbage—were 46 percent less likely to have calcium buildup in the aorta, the main vessel carrying blood from the heart into the body. Fatty calcium deposits in the aorta are a key marker of vascular disease linked to heart attacks and strokes. “One particular constituent found abundantly in cruciferous vegetables is vitamin K, which may be involved in inhibiting the calcification process that occurs in our blood vessels,” says lead author Lauren Blekkenhorst, of Edith Cowan University, in Perth.

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Weather Wanderers

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The U.S. Geological Survey predicts that global sea levels would rise by about 230 feet if all the glaciers and ice caps on Earth melted, flooding almost every coastal city in the world. This disastrous possibility forces us to confront where current coastal dwellers would go if their cities become uninhabitable. In 2017, of the 68.5 million people that were displaced by sudden weather events that included floods, forest fires and intense storms, more than one-third of them were forced to leave their homes behind.

A 2018 World Bank report found that without tangible climate action, more than 143 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America will be forced to move to escape the impacts of climate change by 2050. According to the Institute for Economics and Peace, more than 1 billion people worldwide will live in countries with insufficient infrastructure to withstand climate change by 2050 (see Tinyurl.com/EcologicalThreatMap). The Pacific Islands are expected to be impacted especially hard because sea levels there are already rising at almost half an inch each year.

Shining Example

WellExplorer App Can Warn of Toxic Drinking Water

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The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has created WellExplorer, a new, interactive tool that allows residents and scientists to find out what toxins have been deposited in their drinking water as a result of hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Exposure to fracking fluid in drinking water has been shown to increase the risk of respiratory problems, premature births, congenital heart defects and other health problems.

Different fracking sites use a diverse mix of chemical ingredients, and individuals and researchers are often uninformed about the exact health consequences of living near a particular well. People can view the closest fracking sites in their state, learn which chemicals are used at those sites and view their levels of toxicity by entering their zip code.

WellExplorer can be obtained for free at WellExplorer.org or downloaded on Apple’s App store.

A recent study published in the journal Database found that operators of wells in Alabama use a disproportionately high number of chemicals that target estrogen pathways, as do those in Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania in impacting testosterone pathways. The information found through WellExplorer might be particularly relevant for those that use private water wells.

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Saving Arctic Ice Using Glass Beads

The California nonprofit Arctic Ice Project is proposing to scatter a thin layer of reflective silica glass particles over parts of the Arctic in an effort to protect it from the sun and help ice to re-form. Engineer Leslie Field, an adjunct lecturer and chief technical officer at Stanford University, says they are trying to break a self-destructive feedback loop.

An underrated feature of Arctic sea ice is the ability of its bright, white surface to reflect light. The frigid poles have acted for millennia as a massive umbrella that helps keep the planet cool and climate stable. Now much of that ice is rapidly melting. As temperatures rise, the reflective white ice dissolves into darker blue water that absorbs more of the sun’s energy instead of reflecting it into space. Warmer water accelerates melting, which means yet more absorption of heat, which drives further melting, in a cycle that is part of the reason why the Arctic is warming about twice as fast as the rest of the planet. In July, the ice cover was as low as it has ever been at the same time of year. matt holmes/Unsplash.com

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When the holiday classic Jingle Bells starts playing in department stores, Americans deck the landfills with extra trash. According to the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), garbage increases by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day— or about 1 million extra tons each week—including 38,000 miles of ribbon, $11 billion worth of packing material and 15 million discarded Christmas trees.

As this waste decomposes, dangerous greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide are emitted, adding to the climate crisis. This season, include Earth on the gift list by reducing holiday-related waste.

To stop the uptick of mailed catalogs, call stores and request to be removed from mailing lists.

Reusable shopping bags are not just for groceries. Bring them to malls and boutiques to cut down on single-use store bags.

Wrapping paper, ribbons and bows are beautiful, but create waste. Consider eco-friendly alternatives like towels, tablecloths, scarves and even socks.

According to NEEF, an estimated 2.6 billion holiday cards are sold in the U.S. every year. That’s enough to fill a football field 10 stories high. Be kind to the planet by switching to e-cards or making personal phone calls.

At the holiday table, use cloth napkins and tablecloths instead of paper. They’re festive, elegant and best of all, washable and reusable.

Forgo plastic cutlery, paper plates and single-use plastic cups, too. An extra dishwasher load is better than bags full of trash, plastic being the

worst non-biodegradable culprit.

Social-distancing Americans are expected to flock to the internet for gifts. Consider saving the shipping boxes and packing materials for later use or donating them to a mailing center that would be happy to reuse them.

The most environmentally friendly gifts eliminate wrapping and shipping altogether. Here are some favorite low-waste ideas: n Charitable donations n Cooking, music, craft or other lessons n Passes to museums or amusement parks n Gift cards for restaurants or bookstores n Music downloads or spa treatments Most towns recycle Christmas trees and process them into mulch for use in parks. Contact a local waste management agency for details.

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PAY WHERE WE PLAY Boosting the Hometown Economy

by Sandra Yeyati

A

message we hear throughout the year, but especially during the holidays, is, “Buy local.” The idea is to purchase from locally owned and operated businesses.

Facing competition from big chains like Walmart or internet companies like Amazon, they need our support. But it’s not just a nice thing to do; consumers that buy local help build robust hometown economies with a long list of impressive benefits.

“About three dozen studies have found that two to four times more money stays in the economy for every dollar spent in a locally owned business rather than a nonlocal one,” says economist Michael Shuman, author of The Small-Mart Revolution, Put Your Money Where Your Life Is and The Local Economy Solution. “What’s more, the community enjoys a multiplier effect, generating two to four times more job opportunities, two to four times more income and two to four times greater tax collections. If your interest is in reducing poverty and raising social equality, locally owned businesses are your ticket to doing so.”

According to Shuman, cities that rely on just one or two large companies to drive their economies are far less self-reliant and less resilient than towns that support a diversified base of smaller, locally owned businesses. “The more you have control over your economy, the less likely you’re going to be hurt if one big company splits for Mexico,” he explains.

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Cities that have many thriving local businesses enjoy other benefits, too. “We know from political science studies that they have higher rates of voting participation and volunteering,” Shuman says. “Sociology studies show lower crime and greater degrees of social organization and civil society.

Health studies reveal that local business communities replace a lot of unhealthy, imported food with healthier, fresher, less-packaged food that lowers rates of diabetes and obesity. Unique local businesses attract tourists. And because they shorten the lines of distribution and supply, we know they bring down carbon footprint.”

Phoenix business leader Kimber Lanning, who opened a record store in 1987 and an art gallery in 1999, has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of local commerce.

“Doing business with people we know heightens our connection to place, and when we care about place, we’re more likely to vote, volunteer and give charitably.”

In 2003, Lanning founded the nonprofit Local First Arizona (LFA) to help local businesses thrive and eventually eliminate city, state and federal subsidies that multinational companies were receiving. “Big chains move in, claiming they’re going to drive so much sales tax revenue that the city should pay them to be there,” she explains. “Cabela’s [the outfitter chain] got a $68 million subsidy from Glendale to open one retail location.

These sweetheart deals extract money out of the community that could have been spent on parks, libraries and fire departments, but instead goes to shareholders living elsewhere.” Responding to political pressure by LFA and others, Arizona passed a law banning these subsidies five years ago—a major victory—leveling the playing field for smaller businesses, according to Lanning.

As the author of 13 destination guidebooks, Florida-based travel journalist Karen T. Bartlett helps people discover the often-hidden flavors and experiences unique to their own region, meeting neighbors and supporting the local economy along the way. “From kayak adventures and foodie tours to community theater productions and galleries featuring local artists, fun and meaningful ways to enjoy the distinctive offerings of home abound,” she says.

“Think local first,” Lanning says.

“Spend your money with people you know in your community—from haircuts to oil changes. Use a local pharmacy. Go to the farmers’ market and move your money to community banks and credit unions.”

“For people to get excited about the purchase of a five-dollar hammer and not pay attention to where they have their mortgage is utterly irrational. Rank [in] order your business expenditures, which starts with your home, then probably goes to your car and then health care, and think about ways of localizing those things, rather than every grocery item,” Shuman advises.

“Usually, you find cheaper, better-quality goods and services, or at the very least, comparable options,” he says, adding that even if a purchase is slightly more expensive or a bit less convenient, favoring the neighborhood vendor is always going to benefit the local economy.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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healing ways

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Breathing into Self-Expression

SING TO HEAL

Using the Voice to Uplift Mind and Body

by Marlaina Donato

A

ccording to growing research, singing along to a favorite musical or joining a local choir can be good for our health. From college students to patients with Parkinson’s disease, everyone can benefit, regardless of talent. Singing naturally fosters endorphins, amps up immunity levels and lowers the stress hormone cortisol.

A study by the UK University of East Anglia published in 2017 in The BMJ’s Medical Humanities shows that group singing—along with the positivity of social interaction— supports and improves mental health in people with depression and anxiety. Singing for the Brain, a program created by The Alzheimer’s Society, has been shown to improve memory, mood and the ability to socialize for people with dementia.

“I feel singing can be significant to mental well-being and healing from an injury or cancer, while in recovery from substance abuse, or to help cope with trauma. Additional benefits may include pain management,” says Tamera Anderson-Hanna, a licensed mental health counselor and the owner of Wellness, Therapy & Yoga, in Miami.

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“When we sing, we dive straight into a conscious bodily experience that brings us into immediate connection with our bodies. Singing, especially repetitive singing where we can start to regulate a breath cycle and elongate it, gets us deeply oxygenated,” says Daisy Press, a professional singer and vocal teacher in New York City.

There’s no right or wrong way to reap the benefits of music. A few years into her professional career, Press took a group lesson with a North Indian raga teacher and experienced a deep inner shift. “I was allowed to enjoy the feeling of singing that one note and my mind turned off. I felt the intonation itself in my body—in waves, shapes and colors. Intonation itself became a real living energy that felt essentially good, restorative and healing.”

Lea Longo, a Montreal-based meditation mindfulness coach and musician, concurs.

“Singing has been my way to relax, not only my mind, but my body, as well. It uses the breath, a vital tool for health. It’s my go-to place to feel better. I just sing when I need a boost, and it works for me.”

Resonance, Mantra and Humming “The voice can be considered a healing tool for the fact that it is directly related to resonance in the body,” explains Longo.

“We can think of our voice as a tuning fork to ‘tune’ ourselves and use it as a way to heal internally through the vibrations and sounds we produce.” Using sound is a subtle energy therapy that can help heal emotional or physical distress, he says.

Mantra, the recitation of specific words or traditionally sacred chants, is not a religion, but simply a method to quell mental chatter. “Mantras are vibrational tools that can be practiced by any faith or spiritual practice.”

In her work, Anderson-Hanna makes the mantra personal. “I often teach individuals how to create their own mantra and how to challenge their thinking using positive affirmations. The mantra I teach

is most often a personal reflection of ‘I am’ statements they can aspire to, versus negative or defeating thoughts.”

Humming, another way to open the voice for healing, is the least intimidating for many people, but packs a powerful punch.

“Out of all the many healing sounds I’ve worked with, I find that humming is the most effective because it is so inclusive—everyone can hum. Physiologically, humming reduces heart rate, respiration and blood pressure. Many different beneficial hormones and chemicals are released, including endorphins, oxytocin, melatonin and nitric oxide,” says Jonathan Goldman, co-author of The Humming Effect and director of the Sound Healers Association, in Boulder, Colorado. “The importance of nitric oxide is coming more into light since it is a vasodilator and has anti-viral qualities.” In addition, humming stimulates the vagus nerve, which reduces inflammation and enhances immunity.

Whether we sing children to sleep at night or learn to sing jazz, using our voices can be good medicine. Goldman reminds us, “There are so many different ways that sound can positively shift and change us.”

Marlaina Donato is a recording artist and author. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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healing ways

BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE THERAPY

Gaining Ground

by Carla Brook

T

A revolution in science and medicine has found that bioidentical hormones are not only anti-aging protective, but have also been shown to be osteoporosis (bone)-, Alzheimer's (brain)-, cardio (heart)- and cancer-protective. The most effective treatment of a disease is prevention, and replacing natural hormones effectively with bioidentical replacements has been effective.

Maintaining our hormones in a youthful state can prevent debilitating illnesses that come with aging. The most important thing is preserving quality of life. The aging process is controlled by our endocrine and immune systems, which are responsible for adaptation and change.

They also communicate with the nervous system to adapt and survive.

Hormones affect every cell in the body. They are either proteins or derivatives of cholesterol. These molecules are manufactured in the endocrine glands, which include the adrenal, testes, ovaries, pancreas, thyroid, pituitary and pineal glands.

When these organs degenerate, the level of hormones starts to diminish, so replacing these levels is the solution to maintaining good health as we age.

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Photo credit xixinxing for Adobe Stock

reatment with bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) is on the rise as patients become more aware of their health benefits and the detrimental effects of synthetic hormones. Conventional medicine has always held the belief that the process of aging is inevitable, and we must accept the natural deterioration of aging. The opposite has actually been found to be true.

Most bioidenticals are derived from soy or yams. In contrast, synthetic hormones are chemically different from natural hormones and can cause a host of side effects or even cancer. For example, the brand Prempro consists of a synthetic estrogen from the urine of pregnant horses, and the brand Provera contains synthetic progestins. Using chemically derived hormones does not make sense when we have 50 years of medical research from some of the most distinguished medical and scientific research centers in the country proving that BHT is effective.

The culmination of three recent European studies demonstrates the difference between synthetic and natural hormones and methods of administration. The same results were confirmed in all three studies—synthetic hormones were responsible for an increased risk of breast cancer. The natural estradiol and natural progesterone were protective and demonstrated no increased risk of cancer. This was the longest and most powerful study to date of more than 100,000 women covering 10 years.

The Women’s Heath Initiative (WHI) Study demonstrated that synthetic hormone replacement resulted in an increased

risk of breast cancer and heart disease.

However the incidence was very low at less than 1 percent of 1,000 women. Experts in all fields now call for the discontinuation of synthetic hormones based on reported increases in heart disease, breast cancer and blood clots in this WHI trial. (This study did not apply to bioidentical hormones.)

It is best to find a knowledgeable functional medicine provider that can help you to understand and properly prescribe bioidentical hormones and address related health and lifestyle issues. Proper lab testing and continual follow-up is also of utmost importance. There are many books containing research on bioidentical hormones, such as How to Achieve Healthy Aging, by Neal Rouzier, M.D., and How You and Your Doctor Can Fight Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer and Alzheimer’s, by Edward Friedman.

Carla Brook, NP-C, of thriveMD, is a functional medicine practitioner and family nurse practitioner. For more information, call 312-756-8186 or visit thriveMD.com.

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s the year ends and some ugly chapters close, we can begin to exhale and plan for an alternate winter. Navigating holidays can be tricky in a good year, but this season we’re going to need a whole lot more of a plan to maintain our emotional health. At years end, it’s natural to reflect on what has passed in our lives, which can sometimes be depressing. This year is more complicated because we find ourselves without some of our best coping skills and staples of the season—large gatherings with friends and family. To save the day, let’s follow Grandma’s advice and make a plan, get creative and do more with less. For those old enough to remember, we had some great holidays in the 1970s without cell phones, cable TV, internet, Netflix or Zoom. Now is the time to return to our values and take charge of our own health and happiness with some simple natural practices.

out how to get video conferencing set up on the family room TV so the grandparents can join the celebration safely. If a virtual dinner party is required, then find a way to make it fun. Or keep it simple, like simply staying up late and playing Monopoly with the whole family on New Year’s Eve.

A

Wellness In past years, we may have been able to abandon our diet and exercise habits for all the deliciousness of the holidays. This year, overall health may depend more on keeping that exercise routine and practicing some serious moderation with food, sweets and especially alcohol, which may bring your mood up only to leave you feeling worse later. Consider treating yourself to a weekly night of comedies and eight full hours of sleep instead.

Acceptance This year has brought some drastic, un-

wanted changes to just about every aspect of our lives. As unhappy and upset as this makes us, accepting reality is one of the most important ways to preserve our emotional health. Once we accept reality, then we can begin to adapt and make room for joy and happiness. Annual traditions of large gatherings may be out this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make new traditions and find creative ways to connect and have fun with a little planning.

Connection Our connections with friends and family may need some attention and care. Figure

Gratitude Loved ones, jobs and our social outlets may have been lost this year, but now is the time to focus on the blessings you already have in your life and be grateful, positive and kind. Making a meaningful contribution in a big or small way is a great way to boost your spirit and use that extra time and energy. Give back with a simple random act of kindness or participate in great projects like LasagnaLove.org.

Craig Mead, LCSW, LCPC, is a licensed clinical social worker and professional counselor practicing in Chicago. For more information, visit Upside-Chicago.com. See ad on page 15, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

December 2020

23

fit body

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Tapping into Contentment

Mind-Body Fitness How Mindfulness Benefits Workouts

W

by Marlaina Donato

hen mindfulness approaches are applied to fitness training—which can be as simple as breathing consciously and tuning into subtle body sensations— the results can be fewer injuries, improved immunity, a lowered stress response, a brighter mood and a deeper commitment to staying fit. Being in the present moment can also spark enjoyment.

Research shows that mindfulness training can also significantly raise self-esteem, and women that cultivate meditative self-compassion experience a boost in acceptance of and satisfaction with their bodies.

“In nature, the bigger the eye of the storm, the more powerful the winds, suggesting that our workout potential and enjoyment is dependent not on how hard we push, but how calm and self-aware we can be,” says John Douillard, DC, author of Body, Mind, and Sport and the founder of LifeSpa, in Boulder, Colorado. “Slowing down and being aware of the body allows the mind to attend to muscles, which can increase blood supply, lymph drainage and replace a potentially damaging fight-or-flight response during a workout with a rejuvenating parasympathetic response.”

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Mindful fitness instructor Ellen Barrett, in Washington Depot, Connecticut, offers clients a full-body experience with a fusion of movement forms and weight training. “We think mindfulness is some sort of yoga thing, but everything can become mindful. Jumping jacks and biceps curls can be mindful. It’s not the movement, but the awareness behind the movement.

Mindfulness is about being present.”

Adding in balance training, tai chi and Pilates, and swapping a bit less time on the treadmill for a few moments of meditation or visualizing positive results can go a long way, say fitness experts. Debbie Rosas, founder and co-creator of Nia—a bodymind conditioning program anchored in martial arts and modern dance—underscores the importance of listening to cues.

“Notice any areas that feel tight, blocked, rigid and bound. This wisdom through felt sense and awareness will immediately alert you to stop, adjust and slow down.”

The Portland-based co-author of The Nia Technique points to the fun factor. “I believe that when you stop exercising and start moving, anything you do can bring you enjoyment. Do things that leave you feeling successful and motivated to do them again.”

Breath as a Compass Practicing conscious breathing fortifies the positive impact of exercise and can prevent injuries like hernias that can arise when the breath is held during heavy lifting. “One of the most powerful tools for mindfulness during a workout is following your breath. Mindfulness is the key, but it’s hard to be mindful when you’re breathing 26,000 times a day into the upper chest, activating a fight-or-flight response,” says Douillard.

Breathing through the nose instead of the mouth during exercise bolsters mindfulness, and as Douillard has demonstrated in studies, causes brain waves to shift from stressed beta waves to a meditative

alpha state. “It takes longer to fully inhale and exhale during nose breathing, which creates a baseline of calm,” she says. “Don’t rush. Be aware of the body breathing and feel each muscle contracting and relaxing with each rep and stretch.”

Chicago-based fitness expert Stephanie Mansour, host of the PBS weekly Step it Up with Steph show, concurs. “Sync your breath with your movement. Mindfully transition from exercise to exercise.” Mansour also suggests working out next to a mirror to improve alignment and avoiding the distraction that can come with having a workout buddy. “Another trick to improve form is to put on headphones and zone out by listening to white noise so that you have no distraction,” she says.

Exercising with deep body-presence is something we do for ourselves. “If you’re really paying attention, you can steer yourself towards invigoration and away from irritation. The body is always providing feedback, but we’re often too ‘out of body’ to notice. Giving full attention to your body is a big gift of self-love,” says Barrett.

“Breathe. Move. Be free,” adds Mansour.

“This is your dedicated ‘me’ time and you can use it to feel good about yourself.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

More Helpful Tips Body scan from Ellen Barrett: Establish a body scan ritual before working out. Either sitting or standing, close your eyes and take a second or two to focus on each part of the body with your mind’s eye.

Start with the feet and then move up to the ankles, legs, spine, etc.

Nasal breathing from John Douillard: Establish a comfortable, slow, nasal breathing rhythm in the beginning of your workout and try to maintain that throughout your practice. Give it time. It will take about three weeks of nose breathing practice to begin to run at the same pace or lift the same weight as you did before as a fight-or-flight mouth breather.

To begin: Breathe deeply in and out through the nose with each rep on the weight machine and lengthen your nasal breathing during cardio [workouts]. As soon as your nasal breath rhythm begins to speed up or you have to open your mouth to breathe, slow down and reestablish a comfortable rhythm of nasal breathing again. Once the mindful calm has been reset, begin to increase your intensity, letting the nose breathing set the pace.

Breathing tip from Stephanie Mansour: Inhale on the easier movement and exhale on the more challenging movement. For example, inhale as you bend down into a squat and exhale as you press up to standing.

Pull your belly button in toward your spine in all workouts. Engage your core whether you’re working your legs, arms, back or chest.

Workout advice from Debbie Rosas: Do some research if you are new to working out. Go online and look for a teacher you feel aligned with in philosophy and workout approach.

Build slowly. Exercise teachers are trained to inspire you. Their inspiration can push you. Always do less than what you see and build when your body says, “I am ready for more. Let’s move faster and in a larger range of motion.”

As connected as we are with technology, it’s also removed us from having to have human connection, made it more convenient to not be intimate. ~Sandra Bullock

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conscious eating

The Gift of Yum Homemade Treats Spark Holiday Cheer

by April Thompson

G

ift-givers seeking memorable presents while avoiding holiday shopping stress need look no further than the kitchen. Edible homemade gifts make special, welcome treats, help slow down the shopping frenzy of the season and increase creativity in the kitchen. While 79 percent of recipients return some holiday gifts every year, food and handmade items rank in the top 10 treasured gifts, according to Survey Monkey research.

Mackenzie Burgess, a Fort Collins, Colorado, dietitian and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices, encourages holiday gift-givers to think beyond the Christmas cookie. One of her go-to holiday gifts, a lentil and brown rice dry soup mix, features colorful dry ingredients layered in a Mason jar and the recipe attached with a pretty ribbon. “This shelf-stable dry soup mix is the perfect, plant-based meal to make on a chilly night, and makes for a unique, affordable and thoughtful gift,” says Burgess, adding that the Mason jars can be repurposed.

For a sweet but healthy treat, Burgess offers freezer-friendly energy bites, which can be made in large quantities in advance and frozen or refrigerated, then popped into jars at gift time. These gluten-free, vegan treats can be made with common pantry items, including a base of oats, nut butter and a sweetener like honey or agave, as well as “fixings” such as shredded coconut, dried cranberries or goji berries, chopped nuts, or chia or flax seeds to boost the flavor and nutrition. Natural food coloring can also be added to foster a more festive look.

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To give a gift a “wow” factor, blogger Shelley Fulton, in Hudson, Ohio, recommends making a themed basket that may include a mix of homemade and purchased items. “You can take your signature spice rub or that homemade soup mix everyone raves about and expand into a gift basket with other products that support the theme, like barbecue tools for the spice rub or a kettle with cute soup bowls and a new ladle for the soup mix,” says Fulton, the creator of Two Healthy Kitchens. For the dog lovers on a holiday list, Fulton suggests making homemade sweet potato dog biscuits, which can be bundled in a dog bed with other canine comforts.

Stephanie Hafferty, author of The Creative Kitchen: Seasonal Plant Based Recipes for Meals, Drinks, Garden and Self Care, suggests handcrafted items like infused vinegars, herb salts, herbal tea blends or spice mixes for foodies on the holiday gift list.

Infused concoctions can be easily made by steeping a light vinegar like champagne or cider with rosemary, thyme or other perennial herbs, along with a spiraled citrus peel, for two weeks before gifting. “Infused vinegars look so lovely and go with so many winter dishes. They also have the advantage of being antiviral and having the shelf life of a few years,” says Hafferty.

Herb-infused olive oils make another gorgeous foodie gift, but Hafferty warns of botulism risk if the herbs are not completely dried beforehand and fully submerged in the oil. “Make this one closer to the time you plan to give it and include instructions to use within a few weeks,” recommends the Somerset, England, author.

Unusual spice mixes are another favorite gift of Hafferty’s, which can encourage home cooks to get creative. “Ras el Hanout is a versatile Moroccan spice blend that elevates dishes to another dimension.

You can upcycle an old tin and decorate it with images of Moroccan tiles and add a homemade booklet with recipe ideas,” she says.

lydia matzal/Unsplash.com

For a hostess gift that will be eaten immediately, Fulton loves making fruit kabob bouquets, made festive by using red and green fruits like strawberries and kiwi cut into holiday-themed shapes like stars and bells. “This is a fun one to make with kiddos,” adds the blogger.

If concerned about preparing food items for someone due to COVID-19, Fulton suggests assembling a countertop herb garden or a handmade book of favorite recipes, with a promise to cook together soon.

The spirit that goes into holiday gift-making matters as much as the end product. Making thoughtful presents for loved ones is a great time to reflect upon our blessings, especially those that have blessed our lives this year.

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Holiday Gift-Giving Recipes Lentil Brown Rice Soup

bread and parmesan cheese, if desired.

yield: 6 servings

Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.

1 cup green or brown lentils ½ cup uncooked brown rice ½ cup green split peas 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning 1 Tbsp dried parsley 1 Tbsp garlic powder ½ tsp ground black pepper 2 large vegetable bouillon cubes (1 cube should be equivalent to 1 Tbsp of granulated bouillon) 8 cups water Optional: 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1 Tbsp canola oil 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added

Recipe from Mackenzie Burgess, Cheerful Choices.

photo by Mackenzie Burgess, RDN

If presenting the soup mix as a gift, layer dry ingredients in a Mason jar and print recipe to attach to the jar.

Optional: Sauté onion in oil in a large stock pot over high heat for 3 minutes. Add can of diced tomatoes.

Add dry soup ingredients and 8 cups of water to the same large stock pot (unless starting with this step). Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer for 40 minutes, covered with a lid. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve with crusty December 2020

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nachicago.com/consciouseating and find more recipes in our

Conscious Eating

Section Online

yield: 30 pieces

½ cup 100% cocoa powder, unsweetened ½ cup coconut oil, melted 2 Tbsp raw quinoa 2 Tbsp maple syrup ¼ tsp stevia ¼ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup pistachios, roughly chopped 2 Tbsp candied orange, diced in small pieces ½ tsp pink Himalayan salt 2 Tbsp white chocolate, melted (optional) Toast raw quinoa over medium-high heat until slightly browned and nutty aroma.

In a small bowl, mix together cocoa powder and melted coconut oil. Stir in toasted quinoa, maple syrup and stevia.

Pour mixture onto a plate or sheet pan lined with parchment paper or wax paper.

Sprinkle pistachios, dried cranberries, candied oranges and salt over the melted

photo by Mackenzie Burgess, RDN

CLICK ON

Christmas Cocoa Crunch Bark

chocolate mixture. Drizzle white chocolate over the top and use a toothpick to create swirl effect if desired.

Freeze for 1 hour. Break into pieces and enjoy. Store leftovers in freezer for up to 3 months.

Recipe from Mackenzie Burgess, Cheerful Choices.

Ras el Hanout Spice Mix

T ING LIS SHOP P s

asparagu eeds pumpkin s grapefruit spinach

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1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp fennel seeds 2 tsp cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick, ground 1 tsp smoked paprika or red pepper flakes 1 tsp black peppercorns 1 tsp cayenne (optional for spicier version) 5 star anise ½ tsp ground cloves Seeds from 10 cardamom pods 1 tsp dried rose petals Dry roast the cumin, coriander, peppercorns, fennel and star anise in a cast-iron

photo by Stephanie Hafferty

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

This is lovely sprinkled onto roasting vegetables or added to falafel mixes, soups, stews and tagines.

skillet until lightly toasted. This takes a minute or two and smells gorgeous. Cool and mix with the other ingredients, grinding in a pestle and mortar or spice blender until the mixture resembles a fine powder.

Store in a glass-lidded container. This spicy mix is good for up to six months.

Energy Bites yield: 12 large bites or 24 small bites

These energy bites are the perfect snack to grab and go. They’re completely customizable and take 5 minutes or less to make. It’s easy to create festive, colored bites for the holidays.

Simply add one-quarter cup of oats into a bowl with 15-30 drops of food coloring and give it a stir. Then, simply roll your finished balls in the food-colored oats.

Store in the fridge until ready to eat or pack into a jar for a gift. Store any leftovers in fridge for up to 1 week or the freezer for up to 3 months.

1 cup rolled oats or quick oats ½ cup add-ins (dried fruit, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, chopped nuts or a mixture) ½ cup nut or seed butter (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, sun butter) 1 Tbsp liquid (plant-based milk, dairy milk, water, coconut oil) 2-3 Tbsp honey or maple syrup Add oats, add-ins, nut or seed butter, and liquid to a large bowl. Stir to combine. Mixture should be slightly sticky, but still crumbly.

Add in honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach desired sweetness. Stir until mixture starts to come together in a sticky ball. If the mixture is still too dry, add in 1-2 more tablespoons of liquid.

Place bowl in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to chill, then roll mixture into balls using hands.

Rosemary-Infused Vinegar This fragrant, versatile vinegar makes a delightful holiday gift that can be enjoyed for months. Rosemary vinegar is delicious in salad dressings, sprinkled on vegetables (it is especially good on Brussels sprouts, cabbage and other brassicas) or added to sauces and homemade mayonnaise. It is also an excellent natural cleaner.

Fresh sprigs rosemary Light vinegar (organic apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar) Clean bottles Labels Wash the bottles and lids until they sparkle and then dry them thoroughly. Shake the rosemary sprigs to dislodge any dirt or insects if taken from the garden, then rinse and air dry.

photo by Stephanie Hafferty

Cut the rosemary so that it is two inches shorter than the bottle. This is so that all of the herb will be submerged in the vinegar. Place two sprigs of rosemary into each bottle. Cover with vinegar until the bottle is almost full and replace the lid.

Label creatively; a small sprig of dried rosemary tied to the outside of the bottle is a nice touch.

The vinegar will store for a long time in the refrigerator. When using in the kitchen, the level of vinegar will fall below the sprigs. When this happens, remove the rosemary—the vinegar will still taste of the herb. Use up any vinegar past its best as a bathroom cleaner.

Recipes courtesy of Stephanie Hafferty.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

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recipes from a gluten-free kitchen

Afternoon Tea and Cookies Herbal teas have been used as an aid to healing for thousands of years. Many of our grandparents knew which root to dig up and boil to help a particular ailment. Native American, Inca and Chinese medicine doctors, as well as the Ayurvedic healers of the East, all used similar knowledge to help heal the common cold, seasonal virus or even a headache. Reaching into our history, we find Mother Nature holds the secrets to help us continue to have optimal health and thrive through the winter. Here are four of our favorite herbal teas for winter.

Licorice Root Tea - Licorice is one of the most popular flavors in candy and beverages around the world, and a hearty cup of licorice tea certainly does not disappoint. Licorice tea can help balance the body’s levels of cortisol and cortisone, which are especially helpful with holiday stress. Other benefits include relief from depression, menopause, PMS and thyroid disease symptoms.

Vanilla Wafers Yield: about 3 dozen 1⅓ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour ½ tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp baking soda ½ tsp kosher salt 8 Tbsp unsalted butter at room temperature ½ cup packed brown sugar 1 egg at room temperature, beaten 4 tsp vanilla extract 2 Tbsp almond milk Preheat the oven to 325° F. Line rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

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Chai Tea - Chai is a bold blend of black tea and spices with an invigorating taste that is sure to beckon your taste buds along a savory journey. Ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, black pepper and clove each contains its own special benefits, and when combined can be even more powerful for the body. Chai benefits include possibly helping support digestion, lowering blood sugar and promoting cardiovascular health.

Chaga Tea - Known colloquially as the "king of mushrooms”, chaga is an exceptional ingredient and creates an equally exceptional tea with a smooth, rich flavor that any avid tea drinker will fall for. Chaga mushroom tea has a potential benefit for many health concerns, including heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, parasites, stomach pain and certain types of cancer.

Matcha Tea - This green tea variety is made from tea leaves that have been powdered, which gives it a strong, appealing flavor

when brewed. Matcha is a favorite of tea connoisseurs, and has been enjoyed for more than 1,000 years. The secret behind matcha’s superfood strength is found in its polyphenol compounds called catechins, which are a type of antioxidant found in superfoods like cocoa and apples. Potential benefits range from improved heart health to lower blood sugar levels, increased weight loss and more.

A touch of sweetness is a wonderful accompaniment to afternoon tea. Here are three favorite gluten-free cookie recipes to bake and share this holiday season.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; whisk to combine. Switch to the paddle attachment and add the butter, sugar, egg, vanilla and milk, beating well after each addition.

Chill the dough for 1 hour or more in the refrigerator.

Scoop dough with a spoon onto the prepared baking sheets, gently flattening the top of each raw cookie. Space about 1 inch apart.

Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until the cookies are a golden color. Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

Photo credit Life-n-Reflection

Healthful Herbal Teas

Photo by Marta Dzedyshko from Pexels

by Tiffany Hinton

Oatmeal Cookies Yield: about 3 dozen 1 stick butter, softened ¾ cup packed brown sugar ½ cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 1½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon 3 cups gf oats, uncooked 1 cup raisins Heat oven to 350° F degrees.

In large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.

Add combined gluten-free flour, baking soda and cinnamon; mix well. Add oats and raisins; mix well.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light, golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack.

Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

Find more recipes Recipes courtesy of Tiffany Hinton, GF Mom Certified. Connect on social media @GFMomCertified. See ad on page 9 and see the 2020 GF Mom Certified Holiday Guide at NAChicago.com/GFMom-holidayguide2020.

Gluten-Free Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Put gluten free flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl and set aside.

Yield: about 2 dozen

In a separate glass or ceramic bowl, place chocolate chips and butter. Microwave for 45 seconds at a time, stirring well in-between, until chocolate and butter are melted and smooth. Allow to cool briefly.

1¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp kosher salt ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 stick unsalted butter or earth balance 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 1 egg, lightly beaten 2 Tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ cup peppermint chips or crushed candy canes (optional) Preheat oven to 350° F.

Add brown sugar; continue to mix while adding egg, maple syrup, and vanilla.

Add chocolate mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients and mix until combined.

Scoop dough by the tablespoon. Place about 1 inch apart on nonstick baking sheet and place in the freezer for 10 minutes.

in the Conscious Eating and Recipe sections at NAChicago.com.

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by Megy Karydes

M

ove over houseplants, indoor gardens are taking up residence this winter. With more time on our hands, wanting to spend more time outdoors and being concerned about food availability, many of us turned to the pandemic-safe activity of gardening this summer. Now that the season is over and we’re missing the fresh-from-thegarden taste of vegetables and herbs, we’re wondering how to bring those growing opportunities indoors. Experts say indoor gardening is easier than we think and encourage us to give it a shot this winter.

“This year, so many found peace and simple joys in nature, so it’s all too understandable they want to bring some of that feeling home with them,” says Kasey Bersett Eaves, owner of Ravenswood-based Vivant Gardening Services (VivantGardens.com). Enjoying all gardening has to offer isn’t restricted to the outdoors.

“I’ve noticed especially apartment dwellers with no yard or patio space are wanting to create the feeling of one in their living room,” notes Bersett Eaves. “Herbs have been very popular (when no one wants to make a trip to the grocery store), but also any plant that can be propagated easily. New growth of baby plants provides a feeling of hope unlike any other.”

“Outdoor gardening can be labor intensive, requires dedicated outdoor space and can be time consuming,” says Polly McGann, owner of Illinois-based Happy Leaf, LLC (HappyLeafLED.com). “Because indoor gardening eliminates those aspects, it has been an attractive option for a whole set of new gardeners to learn the joys of growing their own food. Seasoned outdoor gardeners are looking for new takes on old hobbies and most importantly, are looking to extend their growing season.”

Thanks to the availability of grow lights that are affordable and appropriate on a home growing scale, it’s easy to introduce indoor gardening. Adding the movement and interest towards more local food, the increase in food safety recalls and issues, and the pandemic, most people are ready to give it a try.

Happy Leaf sells advanced LED lights for enthusiastic growers and unsurprisingly, most of the questions McGann and her team field involve learning about what makes their light a better option than other choices on the market. “They want to know how efficient they are, how long they will last, what kinds of yields to expect and if they can grow their favorite plants successfully using our lights,” McGann adds.

Bersett Eaves often gets questions about low-light plants. “For people in small spaces without much natural light, any greenery can brighten a room,” she adds. “Of course, that’s 32

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Gloves Off Garden Talks: (January class on Growing Microgreens): www.VivantGardens.com/workshops.html Happy Leaf YouTube videos: YouTube.com/c/happyleafledgrowlights Rise Garden YouTube videos: Visit the Rise Garden YouTube channel

Photo Credit B.J. Miller

Photo Credit B.J. Miller

How to Grow Basil and Tomatoes YEAR-ROUND

difficult for those who want to grow food indoors, and so naturally I’m also getting many questions about grow lights.”

Even those with outdoor gardening space are intrigued with indoor gardens.

The coronavirus pandemic added additional layers of concern. Many people wanted to reduce trips to grocery stores, were spending more time at home and wanted to eat healthy food, according to Hank Adams, CEO and founder of Skokie-based Rise Gardens (RiseGardens.com).

Rise Gardens offers indoor hydroponic gardens and has seen a surge in sales since March—a 750 percent increase. With a three-level system (it is modular and accommodates one, two or three levels), Adams says we could get 12-plus salads a month, including tomatoes, greens and herbs, through the Rise Garden. “And believe me, the arugula and other greens have never tasted fresher and more delicious,” he advises. “Consider that lettuce bought in a grocery store is typically at least a week old by the time you eat it, and you’ll notice a difference in flavor immediately.” Adams adds that cooking sites like Tasty recipe guides (Tasty.co) that encourage people to use fresh herbs in their meals also have influenced a demand for home-grown, “arms-reach” herbs.

“Freshly picked plants are far more nutritious than ones that have been transported over 1,000 miles and sat in distribution

centers and grocery shelves,” he says. “They she notes. are also protected from exposure to any Like an outdoor garden, indoor gardening pesticides, herbicides or fungicides, making is not without issues. Bersett Eaves recognizes them clean and nutritious. As education that pests and bugs are a concern, and for a about food miles, climate change, and health beginning indoor gardener a bug infestation is and wellness increase, so do people’s attenunderstandably devastating. tion to food sources.”

“There’s so many gardeners that will tell you

For others, tackling the winter blues was to grab a coffee and have a chat with your plants the motivating reason to start indoor gardenfirst thing in the morning,” she says. “Really it’s ing. “After gardening outside for many years just a practice of not rushing your garden proand living through the inevitable ‘gardener’s cess. If you tend your plants leisurely, like a visit depression’ that comes along with watching to friends, then you will notice when something all of your beautiful, hard-earned plants die is amiss and have the time to look closer.”

Photo credit Rise Gardens back in the fall, I decided to try and bring

For first-timers that are nervous, she some of that green indoors, literally,” says recommends a set of sticky stakes. “These yellow Chicagoan Julie Fehler-Render, who grows microgreens and more pieces of sticky paper near your plant will catch most of the annoying from her northwest side home. She remembers when she would pests that can bother your plants, and it will show them clearly so you haul in planters of peppers, marigolds or herbs to try and extend the can identify the culprit quickly,” she says. season, but they were never very happy or successful after living a

To handle indoor bugs, Bersett Eaves counsels not to panic. full summer outside. “I eventually moved on to starting microgreens Instead, she recommends doing some research to determine the inside to rekindle the joy of spring seed starting,” she explains. “This life cycle of the pest, because that’s the most important detail. year, I have two trays going, as well as several pots of herbs.”

“There’s nothing more defeating than treating aphids for a straight

For the past six years, Fehler-Render has been running the week only to find the next generation hatching,” she says. “If you teaching farm at her son’s elementary school, “hopefully instillwould have looked up the life cycle, you would know you only ing the love of gardening to all elementary aged kids and their needed to truly deal with them once a week and could have spared parents.” She was fielding more questions and requests for help last yourself a lot of unnecessary work and trouble.” spring than ever before from all ages. Her specialty is growing mi Bersett Eaves helps gardeners at all stages through her company, crogreens throughout the winter, an activity she began two years from new growers wanting to plan their gardens to seasoned gardenago. She normally grows kales or a greens mix, but this year she’s ers wanting a trusted set of extra eyes and hands when tackling a long been enjoying growing pea shoots to make into pesto. project. “Many gardeners this year also found themselves working as

Microgreens are easy, she says, once you know a few simple caretakers of kids learning at home, elderly relatives or businesses and tricks. “Anyone can do it, but the right trays and growing medium needed help staying on top of the garden tasks,” she says. are the key to success.” In the past, Fehler-Render had one small

Regardless of their circumstances or level of gardening grow light set up in the kitchen that she uses for microgreens. Last experience, Bersett Eaves offers 30-minute remote garden answer spring, she added two more sets above the fridge for seed starting, sessions where she and clients talk about everything from pest and currently has potted herbs under them for the winter. “Since I issues to planning out their kitchen garden for the season and am using every little bit of space I have, my deciding factor for which teaching classes on various gardening topics. She’s hosting a class lights to purchase were mainly based on size, followed by ratings,” on Growing Microgreens this January, as well as a series of dates for gardeners to get together and answer questions in a series called Gloves Off Garden Talks.

Photo credit Rise Gardens

Megy Karydes is a master gardener-in-training currently trying to grow tomatoes, peppers, herbs and lettuce in a Rise Gardens system.

She’s going to try the Kratky Method next.

Learn more about Indoor Gardening in the Green Living section of NAChicago.com.

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L

iving healthy often begins where we are actually living. As people spend more time at home this winter, they can focus on their surroundings to help keep them healthy and well.

Beyond stocking up on thermometers, tissues and electrolyte drinks, and regularly cleaning surfaces, healthy home features that are part of a home’s architecture can protect those that live there and provide peace of mind during periods of concern, and also in blue-sky times.

Homes designed for health and wellness also align with the growing interest in sustainability, sharing many of the same concepts. For example, passive home features such as natural sunlight and ventilation are low-carbon elements that are also inherently good for human health. A healthy, sustainable and resilient home encompasses many elements with these core considerations.

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN Can Improve Well-Being

Air quality

by Nathan Kipnis

A “tight” home with controlled, filtered air is both healthy and sustainable. An all-electric home—the gold standard in low-carbon living—has healthier air quality, given the fact that these homes do not have any combustion emissions within the space.

If they do not have an all-electric residence, homeowners can take other steps to boost indoor air quality, such as investing in a high-efficiency, air-to-air heat exchanger with high-performance air filters. For example, a HEPA-grade air filter removes at least 99.97 percent of particles exceeding 0.3 microns. There are many smart home technologies systems available that are actually on a par with hospitals in the capacity to monitor and regulate indoor air quality.

Operable architectural skylights are a smaller-scale solution, allowing for natural ventilation and offering benefits such as natural light and better regulation of human circadian rhythms that positively impact sleep cycles.

Those looking to improve air quality in their homes can also embrace the use of non-toxic materials including finish and construction materials, as well as furniture, clothing and personal products such as fragrances and hair care items that are brought inside.

There are several air-quality standards, such as WELL certification, that can be referenced when specifying products and details.

Photo courtesy of Kipnis Architecture + Planning

Water quality and availability

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Staying hydrated by drinking recommended amounts of water is a key part of healthy living. To help ensure safe and healthy drinking water, water filters are now available that are designed to meet the specific requirements of the exact water coming into a home.

Homeowners can also leverage other sources of water for non-drinking (non-potable) purposes, as a way to conserve that precious resource. A rainwater capture system that channels water into a barrel can be used for irrigation in the warmer months.

Depending on the municipality, homeowners can also investigate gray-water systems that reuse water from sinks, baths, washing machines and dishwashers for non-potable uses such as irrigation.

Power and lighting Especially at a time of year with shorter days, light is important in Skylights that improve mood and indoor air quality and surfaces that can be easily cleaned help foster healthy living at home.

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sustaining health. Lighting directly impacts circadian rhythms that are linked to health, mood, sleep and cognition. Circadian lighting systems that are based on the natural progression of light through the day—bright blue in the morning, shifting to soft, red hues at night—have been shown to bolster well-being.

The home’s power source is also linked to health and security. Electricity generated by solar photovoltaic panels and a battery backup system reduces reliance on the electric grid and can keep a home running smoothly in the event of a power outage.

In addition to these architectural and design features, other elements play a role in a healthy surrounding such as one-piece countertops that can be quickly and easily sanitized, touchless faucets that minimize shared surfaces and bulk food storage areas.

Over the past year, people that work and/ or study at home have also come to realize the value of dedicated, well-designed and ideally, acoustically isolated, office spaces.

Looking ahead, the parallel shifts toward healthier, lower-carbon living will likely continue. If nothing else, this past year has underscored the importance of preparation and mindfulness.

Nathan Kipnis, FAIA, LEED BD+C, is founder and principal of Kipnis Architecture + Planning, in Evanston and Boulder, CO. and co-founder of NextHaus Alliance. For more information, visit KipnisArch.com and NextHausAlliance.com.

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inspiration

Fresh Rituals for a New Year

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OPPORTUNITY!

he end of one year and the beginning of another marks a hopeful transition that many of us choose to celebrate with fireworks and glitzy parties. Here are several New Year’s rituals to help us connect more deeply to our loved ones, to ourselves and to a richer sense of purpose as we embrace the promise of 2021.

Reevaluate the past year. While many people focus only on what lies ahead on New Year’s Day, consider taking a therapeutic and spiritual look at the past 12 months, evaluating personal accomplishments and deviations from goals and aspirations. Take note of lessons learned and challenges faced, as well as the top 10 highlights of the year.

Declutter. In Italy, people throw things out of their windows on New Year’s Eve; getting rid of items that are no longer of service is just as important as welcoming the new. In that spirit, this is a good time to gather clothing, books and other items collecting dust and donate them to a local charity where they may be useful to someone else.

Formally invite prosperity. Many cultures around the world celebrate New Year’s Day with rituals that are meant to ward off bad luck and attract good fortune. Some of them espouse throwing money over the threshold the first time someone enters their home after the new year has begun. Here’s a modern twist: Gather the family together and bless a few coins or paper bills, either through prayer or as a statement of hope and anticipation.

Then, donate the money to charity as a way to spiritually pay it forward.

Spend New Year’s Eve in meditation. Quiet meditation or prayer is a great way to usher in a sense of peace and harmony. Make sure the session begins before midnight and extends into the new year. This can be done at home alone, with friends or at a local meet-up group, yoga center or spiritual organization.

Place special emphasis on the first 12 days. For many people, the first 12 days of a new year represent each of the 12 months to come. To set a positive course for 2021, spend each of those days exhibiting aspirations for the coming year, such as volunteering at a soup kitchen to manifest an interest in being more charitable, or reading a book about immigrants to become more culturally sensitive.

Adapted from an Arcadia Publishing contribution.

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ASTROLOGY ASTROLOGY – Understand yourself, your motivations, your feelings. Recognize your talents, strengths, successes. Overcome difficulties and confusion. Astrology can help pull it all together.

Relationships. Career. Plan the future. Serious astrology for serious seekers. Private, personal consultations. Lin Ewing: 847-609-0034.

AstrologicalDetails.com.

RECOGNIZE AND HEAL YOURSELF THROUGH THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT – The human being is an energy field of the Spirit. The spiritual forces are also healing forces that can be requested. Toll-free: 844-576-0937.

Gabriele-Publishing-House.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds.

HELP WANTED ARE YOU HIRING? – Find your next team member. Call 847-858-3697 or submit online at NAChicago.com/classifieds.

DIGITAL MEDIA SALES: CHICAGO & SUBURBS – Excellent opportunity for flexible full- or part-time work with great rewards and a really amazing commission opportunity! Natural Awakenings Chicago is seeking a self-motivated professional with strong interpersonal and communication skills and a passion for digital marketing and business development. Ideal candidate must be self-motivated, organized and creative in sourcing suitable clients and events to target in Chicago and suburbs. You must enjoy conversing on Zoom, using LinkedIn and Facebook, plus meeting via the phone, as well as enjoy working both from your home and from the road throughout the metropolitan area. Previous relationship-based ad sales experience as well as digital marketing understanding and experience preferable. You’ll need at least 20 flexible daytime hours per week to prosper. Occasional weekend and evening time needed to attend events and network. Pay is generous commission, plus bonuses. Email your info, a brief description of your experience and your phone number to Editor@NAChicago.com.

Chicago

CALENDAR DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Calendar events must be submitted online at NAChicago.com/Calendar.

Call First: Events or services may be cancelled, postponed or are now offered online.

Call and check websites for up-to-date information.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 World AIDs Day

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 See NAChicago.com for latest events.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3

Int’l Day of Persons with Disabilities

BOOKS

38

calendar of events

NAChicago.com

ONLINE: Bridging Two Realms: Communi-

cating with The Other Side – 7-9pm. With John Holland. In this workshop, discover specific ways to connect with loved ones, even if you’re not a medium. Holland will do live readings for some lucky participants. $35. You will be emailed a link after registration to participate in the Zoom class.

For more info & registration: 847-831-8828 or InfinityFoundation.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 ONLINE: Midwest Dharma Celebration: Illuminating the Path of Wisdom and Bliss – Dec 4-6.

This year, Buddhist num Gen Kelsang Demo will grant the blessing empowerment of Buddha Prajnaparamita, also known as “the Great Mother,” who is the embodiment of the perfection of wisdom of all Buddhas. She will also give inspiring teachings on improving our wisdom and overcoming the obstacles that prevent our spiritual development.

All welcome. $15-$75. More info: 708-763-0132 or MidwestDharmaCelebration.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 ONLINE: Lake County Audubon Society Meeting – 7pm. Birding as a Socioeconomic Development Strategy in Central America by Gustavo Utariz. Explore ways in which birding can become a strategy for socioeconomic development, providing quality jobs and creating incentives to protect the natural environment, thereby helping protect the wintering grounds of North American birds. Via Zoom. Register: LakeCountyAudubon.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 Bodhi Day (Buddhism)

Light the Way: VIRTUAL Annual Celebration & Fundraiser – 7pm. Faith in Place’s first ever virtual Annual Celebration and Fundraiser. See how we have been lighting the way for environmental justice this year plus hear an exciting announcement about our future. Via Zoom. Register: FaithInPlace.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 ONLINE: Group Past Life Regression – 1-2pm.

Experience a group guided past life regression guided by Susan Wisehart, MS, LMFT, CHt, to a happy life where you may remember talents, gifts or relationships from a previous incarnation carried over into this incarnation. Past life journeys deepen the understanding of your karmic repeating patterns and soul lessons impacting your life today. $25. Via Zoom. More info: SusanWisehart.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

Angel Day – 1-5pm. Bask in the light and love of the angels. Identify your personal birth angels (bring birth date and time for in-depth info) with Philip Clark. Build a crystal grid with the assistance of Archangel Metatron’s Cube and Sacred Geometry to raise your vibration to connect with the Angelic realm, with Janel. $20/20-min private Angel consultations. $55. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535.

HolisticCenterChicago.com.

ONLINE: Yoga and Self-Care to Help You Stay Calm in Chaos – 7-8pm. With Julie Gentile. Gail Borden Public Library District via Zoom. Register: Attend.GailBorden.info/event/4593960.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

ONLINE: Learn to “Maintain Your Balance, Lis-

ONLINE: Learning to Love Difficult People – 10am-12:30pm. Dealing with people is such a big part of our lives. So what happens when we find others difficult to live or work with? Buddhist philosophy offers some clear methods for taking control back and realizing that we can improve our relationships with others simply by changing the way we view them. With teachings and guided meditations led by Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Zamling. All welcome. Also available online for 72 hrs afterward. $20. Info & register: 312-767-1898 or MeditateInChicago.org.

ten to Divine Spirit” – 11am-12:15pm. ECK Light & Sound Service. Learn how to recognize your own experiences in the light and sound of God to get help in daily life, maintain your balance and live creatively.

Hear uplifting stories, readings and creative arts. Experience the sacred sound of HU in a contemplative spiritual exercise. Share experiences/insights in small group discussion. All welcome. Sponsored by Eckankar, the Path of Spiritual Freedom. Free. Via Zoom or phone. 630-427-5950. Link info provided after RSVP: EckInfo@Eck-Illinois.org. Eck-Illinois.org.

Int’l Human Rights Day Hanukah begins at sundown (Judaism)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

Reboot the system that

fuels and sustains your whole body.

Is your body telling you it needs help?

Do new symptoms creep up on you too fast?

Have dietary modifications failed to provide relief ?

There is help.

into the bloodstream through a condition called “leaky gut syndrome,” which often leads to more serious conditions like Crohn’s Disease, colitis, and other autoimmune disorders.

Environmental irritants also affect digestion.

Reneé Barasch, Certified Digestive Health and Detoxification Specialist, has been helping clients achieve nutritional balance and enhance quality of life for more than 14 years. Reneé’s individualized plans help clients re-boot their digestive tracts and increase absorption of needed nutrients—creating the environment for detoxification of all organs and the pathways between them.

The environment can also produce irritation and inflammation. Everyday, airborne toxins — perfumes, cleaning products, smoke, automotive exhaust, indoor dust, and springtime pollen— find their way into our bloodstream (in less than 20 seconds!) and cause digestive organs to work overtime. A runny nose, itchy eyes, and red and blotchy skin often result in a trip to the allergist, when a digestive imbalance may be contributing.

Working with Reneé, you will:

Stay strong and healthy with a gut ‘reset.’

• Identify digestive triggers. (Some may surprise you!)

• Understand which foods agree with you—

• Effectively and efficiently digest food.

• Reduce inflammation.

• Nourish your gut—and ensure your

and those that don’t.

• Create a detoxification and digestive plan.

Digestion is one of the main ways the body detoxifies and cleanses.

If the food you consume isn’t thoroughly broken down, your body cannot work as efficiently as it should. Poor digestion causes stress for the entire digestive system and leads to gas, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea—and even insomnia, psoriasis, eczema, chronic pain, and anxiety. Undigested food can seep

whole body is balanced.

• Regulate the processing and digestion of

food and the elimination of waste by incorporating foods that lead to better absorption and detoxification.

Digestive Health Solutions Now exclusively at ADIO Chiropractic Clinic

Let’s get you feeling better.

Reneé S. Barasch , LDH S Certified Digestive Health Specialist

316 Peterson Rd, Libertyville, 60048

thetummywhisperer.com

847- 207- 2034

December 2020

39

ONLINE: Chicago IANDS – 2pm. Support/study/

resource forum for near-death, out-of-body and spiritual experiences, losses. Guest speaker: Toni Winninger. Former IL State’s Attorney. Special channeled readings. Toni will interview some famous people who have passed. We will be accepting requests. Watch for more info in our monthly newsletter. Become a subscriber to Chicago IANDS by filling in the form on our website. You will receive an invitation with instructions. $20 Tax-deductible donation requested. Send to Chicago IANDS, PO Box 732, Wilmette, IL, 60091 or use Zelle on your bank site. For more info: 847-251-5758 or ChicagoIANDS.org.

Amazing Gong Journey – 6-7:30pm. With Sound Healer Andre Peraza. The gong is a powerful instrument that works on many levels to heal the listener. It can help release deep emotional energy and feelings in order to better ground yourself. Bring a yoga mat, favorite pillow and blanket and an open mind. The gong will do the rest. $25. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines.

847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

SAVE THE DATE ONLINE: Forefront Presentation: Ideas in

Food and Farming – 1pm. Farmer, rancher, author and healthy food system advocate, Gabe Brown will share the story of how, after 4 years of hail and drought, he and his family took a broken, degraded, and unprofitable farm and by following nature’s principles, regenerated it into a healthy, profitable farm teeming with life.

Brown will talk about how he learned that healthy ecosystems follow 6 consistent principles and that those principles are the same for farms, ranches and gardens. Understanding how to work with these principles, instead of against them, not only leads to healthy soil, plants, animals, and healthier people but higher profits as well. Free. Via Zoom.

RSVP required: ForefrontDecember2020.brownpapertickets.com.

Crystal Academy – 2-3:30pm. With Janel. Learn about crystals, enjoy building a direct connection with their wonderful energy, sense what to do with them, why they are in your life, and how they can help you. In Dec we will take an in-depth look at up to 3 crystals that can help you connect with the Divine. $15. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535.

HolisticCenterChicago.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

Dis ah – Moon of Little Long Day Night Beginning Zen Shiatsu – Dec 14-18. 10am-5pm.

Learn how to give a basic 1-hr shiatsu treatment that you can share with friends and family. This course is a stand-alone offering, and also is the first 30 hrs of our complete shiatsu certification programs. $450 plus books. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

40

Chicago

NAChicago.com

ONLINE: Astrological Reasons for Crisis –

7-9pm. With Dave Birr. The U.S. has entered a time period to face national karma, moral values and national identity. Discover your role as a spiritual citizen in the healing of America and the fulfillment of national spiritual destiny. $35. You will be emailed a link after registration to participate in the Zoom class. For more info & registration: 847-831-8828 or InfinityFoundation.org.

Naming Your Genius Workshop – 7-9pm. Discover and name your genius as Life Force Arts Ensemble Director and Shamanic Practitioner Joan Forest Mage leads us through exercises in creative writing, mask making and meditation. We will create a name for our genius using the formula, “I am the one who...,” as well as a simple mask that visually embodies our genius. $55, $45 by Dec 7. Registration, Life Force Arts Foundation: 773-327-7224 or Tinyurl.com/y65gxaqp.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 Basic Cupping for Health and Vitality – 9am-4pm.

Learn a variety of cupping techniques addressing the common cold, muscle aches and pains, digestive disorders and irregular menstruation to name a few.

Class geared toward students who are new to cupping or need a refresher. Different types of pneumatic cups available to try. $150. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 VIRTUAL Reiki Relaxation Hour – 7-8pm. Shake

off the stress of the day in a natural and healthy way with reiki. Relax even deeper with a guided reiki meditation (which you can use at home to bring peace to your daily life). Experience distance reiki along with the meditation. A great opportunity to check out what a reiki distance session is like. Time afterwards for sharing and Q&A. Free. On Zoom.

CalandraAcupuncture.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 Free Shiatsu Intro – 7-9:30pm. Learn the fundamental techniques and philosophies of Zen Shiatsu, and chat with current students and instructors.

Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston.

ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 Int’l Mirants Day

ONLINE: Reiki Level 1 – 9am-4pm. Attend online or in person. Get attuned to reiki which enables you to become a channel for this healing energy. Also start a 21-day energetic cleanse that moves through your chakras cleaning and releasing bound energy. $150. Via Zoom. Zen Shiatsu Chicago: 847-8641130 or ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 Align with Inner Guidance: ONLINE HU Chant – 11am-12pm. HU, a sacred sound and ancient mantra, has been sung for thousands of years in many lands for spiritual unfoldment and inner peace. Join us in chanting HU for 15 mins, followed by a few mins of silent contemplation. Then join in a relaxed spiritual conversation with others of like heart. All welcome. Sponsored by Eckankar, the Path of Spiritual Freedom. Free. Via Zoom or phone. 630-4275950. Link info provided after RSVP: EckInfo@ Eck-Illinois.org. Eck-Illinois.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 Winter Solstice Yule

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23 See NAChicago.com for latest events.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 See NAChicago.com for latest events.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas (Christianity)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26 Kwanzaa begins

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 ONLINE: Medicine Buddha Retreat: Healing

Through Wisdom – 10am-6pm. Based on the profound healing practice of Medicine Buddha, this full-day guided retreat will emphasize the practice of Tantric self-generation practice of Medicine Buddha, the embodiment of the healing energy of all Buddhas. Although open to everyone, it is most suitable for those who already have some previous experience with Buddha’s Sutra Teachings. Each of the 3 sessions will include a brief teaching, preparatory prayers, and extensive meditation led by Kadampa Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Zamling.

Partial-day registration available. $15-$40. Info & register: 312-767-1898 or MeditateInChicago.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21

SAVE THE DATE Journal to the Self: ONLINE Workshop – 6-wks, self-paced. Quick, goal-oriented writing techniques for mindfulness, goals, emotional healing and more. A new lesson opens every Thurs. Discussion and learning guided by a trained facilitator. All writing in the privacy of your own laptop or journal. $197. 773-251-1631.

TeamSage.studio.

ongoing events To ensure we keep our community calendar current, ongoing events must be resubmitted each month.

DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Calendar events must be submitted online at NAChicago.com/Calendar.

Check Online: Check the NA Online Calendar and Directory for many updates and new online events and workshops.

MONTHLY SPECIAL OFFERS ONLINE: Christian Science Lectures – During COVID-19, all Christian Science lectures have moved online. Everyday you’ll find several events happening live as well pre-recorded presentations you can watch anytime. Cultivate your spiritual practice and get ideas and inspiration to stay calm, safe and healthy. CSMetroChicago.org.

Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation – Thru Dec. Natural Awakenings readers receive $20 off a brain health evaluation and $25 off a whole-body evaluation on the first visit. Antalee Wellness Spa, 1834 Glenview Rd, Ste 2M, Glenview. For appt & more information: 847-486-1130 or AntaleeHolistic.com.

SUNDAY Ruck the Work Week – 8am. Rucking effectively allows you to combine aerobic training and strength training while slicing your workout to a fraction of the time. With Get Fit EGV. Free. Busse Forest South Grove 17, Elk Grove Village. Must register by 7pm the night before: Linktr.ee/getfitegv_coachro.

ONLINE: The Mike Nowak Show Radio Pro-

gram – 9-11am. Live weekly online local talk show focused on gardening and the environment, with lots of humor to wake us up. Author and master gardener Mike Nowak and cohost Peggy Malecki feature a variety of guests and weather/climate scientist Rick DiMaio in a live show on Facebook @The Mike Nowak Show, YouTube and streaming live at MikeNowak.net. Also available in podcast on MikeNowak.net, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and podcast apps. Free. MikeNowak.net.

Logan Square Winter Farmers’ Market – Thru Mar. 9am-3pm; 9-10am, high-risk shoppers. 3107 W Logan Blvd (Logan Boulevard from Milwaukee Ave to Whipple). Check location before attending, as it may change: LoganSquareFarmersMarket.org.

ONLINE: Time to Dance: Ballet – 10:30am.

Also 1:30pm, Tues & 5:30pm, Thurs. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. Via Zoom. To register: DanceForJoy16@ gmail.com or CBG-Institute.org.

Life Force Arts Ensemble Holiday Cards Available – Thru Dec. These beautiful designs: Cardinal Totem by LFAE Featured Artist Steven Blaine Adams, and Reindeer Goddess by LFAE Featured Artist Lisa Nomikos, were designed for the art exhibits at Life Force Arts Ensemble. 5.5” x 5.5” cards, blank inside, with envelopes. Additional cost for shipping. See website for cost. Life Force Arts Center, 1609 W Belmont Ave, Chicago. To order, Joan: 773-327-7224 or Joan@LifeForceArts.org.

Tinyurl.com/y3d4cbev.

ONLINE: Free Crisis Health Coaching – With the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, Inc and the Institute for Functional Medicine. This amazing community of health coaches is giving back during this extraordinary time of need by offering free health coaching services. More info: bit.ly/FMCHC_Gives_Back.

ONLINE: Inspiring Solutions for a Challenging World – 11am-12:15pm. Meditation and modern Buddhism. Overcome negative thinking and emotions, strengthen your mind, and stay inspired in daily life using profound Buddhist psychology and simple, effective meditations you can incorporate in everyday life. No previous experience necessary.

With Kadampa Buddhist monk Gen Zamling. Donation. MeditateInChicago.org/sunday.

MONDAY Sentinel Watch Podcast – 7am. Weekly audio podcasts filled with thought-provoking ideas posted each Mon. Contributors tackle topics relevant to daily life and inspiring prayers for the world. New programs are posted every Mon and available 24/7 throughout the week. Tune in any time. CSMetroChicago.org.

ONLINE: Time to Dance: Ballet – 1:30pm. Also 10:30am, Sun & 5:30pm, Thurs. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. Via Zoom. To register: DanceForJoy16@ gmail.com or CBG-Institute.org.

Green Drinks Libertyville – 6:30pm. 2nd Tues.

Check our Facebook page for updates. Facebook. com/greendrinkslibertyville.

ONLINE: Hacking Your Health Meetup – 6:308pm. 3rd Tues. With Tiffany Hinton. Let’s get together to expand our knowledge of living a healthy life, using integrative wellness. Features an expert speaker on topics current to our health landscape.

We can share recipes, have events at local health restaurants and learn more to raise healthier children.

Free. Purple Sprout Cafe and Juice Bar: Meetup. com/Hacking-Your-Health-Meetup.

ONLINE: Guided Meditation for Inner Balance & Quieting the Mind – 6:50-8:10pm. 3rd Tue. With Ellen Radha Katz. Donation. Via Zoom. Register: Meetup.com/Inner-Balance-Meditation.

ONLINE: Let’s Talk Hemp Health – 7pm. A short

presentation by hemp advocates and educators on the basics of CBD oil. Learn the benefits and science of how and why cannabis works in the body. Learn exactly what CBD and other cannabinoids are and what function they play in the body. Different guests each week. Free. On Zoom. Details: 630-309-3409 or HempHealthTalks.com.

ONLINE: Clutter Clearing for a New Start –

7-9pm. Course available on Zoom. Discover how to easily and purposely declutter your home until it is filled with what is truly essential to you. CEUs available. You will be emailed a link after registration to participate in the Zoom class. $95. For more info & registration: InfinityFoundation.org.

Shiatsu Student Clinic – 7-9pm. Receive a 45min session from an advanced Zen Shiatsu student.

Sessions are performed in a group setting with instructor observation. $35/45-min or $90/3 treatments. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston.

Availability limited; for appts: 847-864-1130.

ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

WEDNESDAY ONLINE: Body & Brain Tai Chi Class – 7:308:30am; 10-11am; 6-7pm. Additional classes held daily; see website for times. After a short set of warm up exercises, get into meridian stretching (to improve circulation, strength and flexibility, and relax the mind) and then go into Body & Brain-style tai chi called DahnMuDo. We stream all classes live on Zoom. Info & to register: 847-362-2724, Libertyville@BodyNBrain.com, BodyNBrain.com/ libertyville.

TUESDAY

ONLINE: Mindfulness Adjustments for the Pandemic – 10-10:30am. With Vacation of the Mind. Free mindfulness webinar series for HR Specialists, Leaders and Management. Will discuss best practices for handling employee production, communication issues, lifestyle changes and more. Workplace wellness topics highlighted.

VacationOfTheMind.com/webinar.

ONLINE: Yoga with Lisa – 10am. Heaven Meets Earth, 2746 Central St, Evanston. 847-475-1500.

HeavenMeetsEarthYoga.com.

Green Drinks McHenry County – 5-7pm. 1st Wed. Check website for updates. GreenDrinks.org/ IL/Crystal Lake.

ONLINE: Yoga Basics with Jenny – 11am. Also

held 9:30am, Wed & Fri. Heaven Meets Earth, 2746 Central St, Evanston. 847-475-1500. HeavenMeetsEarthYoga.com.

December 2020

41

ONLINE: Prayer Meeting – 6-7pm. Informal

weekly gatherings with inspirational readings, song, prayer and time to share healings and inspiration.

Meetings being held remotely during COVID-19.

More than a dozen different online groups hold mid-week online meetings; times vary, but all groups meet on Wed evenings. Free. Log-on info & times: CSMetroChicago.org.

Virtual “Hot” Yoga – Thru Dec 30. 8-9pm. Class hosted and lead by Gloria Nash (with Emerging Essentials) virtually but Get Fit EGV will make their facility available to those interested in experiencing the class “hot” and with other members. There is no limit on the class size virtually but on-site will be restricted in order to maintain social distancing.

Link provided on the day of class. $10. Get Fit EGV, 1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 206, Elk Grove Village.

773-849-4990. GetFitEGV.com.

THURSDAY ONLINE: Time to Dance: Modern – 1:30pm.

Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. Via Zoom. To register: DanceForJoy16@gmail.com or CBG-Institute.org.

ONLINE: Time to Dance: Ballet – 5:30pm. Also 10:30am, Sun & 1:30pm, Tues. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. Via Zoom. To register: DanceForJoy16@ gmail.com or CBG-Institute.org.

ONLINE: Healy Introduction – 6:30pm. Have

you heard of frequency medicine? Learn about a new personal device called Healy. A short presentation on what the frequency medicine is and how to purchase one. This is the next level in well-being and balance. RSVP: 630-309-3409. Meeting ID: 630-309-3409. Zoom.US.

FRIDAY ONLINE: Time to Dance: Ballet for Beginners –

9:15am. Via Zoom. To register: DanceForJoy16@ gmail.com or CBG-Institute.org.

Shiatsu Student Clinic – 11am-1pm. Receive a 45-min session from an advanced Zen Shiatsu student. Sessions are performed in a group setting with instructor observation. $35/45-min or $90/3 treatments. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. Availability limited; for appts: 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

Mindfulness & Wellness: Managing Stress, Creating Health, Encouraging Balance – 1:15-2:30pm. With Archana Lal-Tabak, MD, and Jim Lal-Tabak. Learn about mind-body connection and variety of mindfulness exercises. Experience natural stress reduction strategies and tools. Each class is self-contained and a new wellness-educational topic and mindfulness technique presented every week. Series of 4 classes or individual class. Scholarships and work study available. Drop-ins welcome. Heart of Transformation Wellness Institute, 1618 Orrington Ave, Ste 206, Evanston. Details: BodyMindMedicine.com.

ONLINE: Ancient African Adorations – 7pm. 2nd Fri. Livestream online concert series presented by Tchiya Amet. Tchiya.EventCombo.com.

SATURDAY Advanced Allergy Therapeutic Treatment – 9am1pm. Offering holistic, non-invasive, drug-free treatments to calm the sympathetic nervous system.

Taking all precautions to protect from COVID-19.

For an appt: 847-392-7901, MWAllergyRelief@ gmail.com or MidwestAllergyRelief.com.

Mt Prospect Indoor Winter Farmers’ Market – Thru May. 9am-12:30pm. 2nd & 4th Sat. St. Mark Lutheran Church, 200 S Wille St, Mt Prospect.

Check for changes before attending: Tinyurl.com/ yxwdatu6.

ONLINE: Body & Brain Basic Yoga Class –

9:30-10:30am & 2-3pm. After a short set of warm up exercises, get into meridian stretching, followed by core strengthening and breathing postures to accumulate energy. Then be guided in the practice of energy meditation. $20/class. Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi, 860 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville.

847-362-2724. BodyNBrain.com/libertyville.

Palatine Winter Farmers’ Market – Thru Apr. 10am-12pm. 1st & 3rd Sat. To view the guidelines and procedures established by the Farmers’ Market due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the website to check for any changes before attending. Palatine Train Station. Palatine.il.us/663/ Farmers-Market.

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42

Chicago

NAChicago.com

community resource guide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community.

ACUPUNCTURE AND TRADITIONAL ORIENTAL MEDICINE

ZEN SHIATSU CHICAGO

BODY-CENTERED PSYCHOTHERAPY

825 Chicago Ave, Evanston 60202 847-864-1130 ZenShiatsuChicago.org

ERICA HORNTHAL, LCPC, BC-DMT LANA MOSHKOVICH, LAC, ND, MSOM Nirvana Naturopathics 707 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 100, Deerfield 60015 847-715-9044 NirvanaNaturopathics.com

We use acupuncture to help you get immediate relief from acute or chronic pain. Combining Western and Chinese Medicine, we can treat and resolve insomnia, anxiety and women’s health issues, plus chronic conditions. Certified NAET. Preferred MeiZen Provider. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. Major insurances accepted.

Schedule your initial appointment on Nirvana Naturopathics.com. Get a healthier and alternative approach to your chronic health conditions.

ALLERGIES CALANDRA CENTER FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS

Acupuncture, NAET Allergy Elimination, Reiki, Classes/CEU Located in Chicago’s South Loop & Schaumburg 312-796-3965 CalandraAcupuncture.com CCHW offers: acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, NAET Allergy Elimination, reiki, Access Consciousness Bars and a variety of classes. Classes are available for adults, children and CEU for acupuncturists. We believe that when someone has the tools to help themselves that the possibilities are endless.

MIDWEST ALLERGY RELIEF CENTER 3365 N Arlington Hts Rd, Ste D, Arlington Hts 60004 847-392-7901 MidwestAllergyRelief.com

Dr. Amanda Thiry, DC, BSN, uses Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT), a non-invasive alternative technology that’s effective and safe for all ages, to identify and treat specific allergen elements that affect your quality of life. Discover how you can eat foods, be near pets and use products again that you now avoid, and experience a new lease on life. See ad on page 21.

Chicago Dance Therapy 847-848-0697 EricaHornthal.com

Life is experienced through movement and the body, mind and spirit are connected. The body holds all experiences and talking alone is not enough to release our emotional issues. Erica uses a combination of talk therapy and dance/movement therapy to help clients express what is often too deep for words.

You’ll feel the stress melt away like the snow in spring through our relaxation-focused shiatsu massage practice, which offers the same energizing benefits as acupuncture combined with the restorative power of yoga poses. Dress in cozy threads, shiatsu is performed on fully clothed clients. Professional and student therapists available.

See ad on back cover.

CBD / HEMP OIL NATURAL REMEDEE HEALTH SOLUTIONS Dee Bayro, CHHC NaturalRemedee.com LetsTalkHempOil.com

BODYWORK NATIONAL LYMPHATIC CENTERS

Sharon M Vogel, LMT, CLT, BCTMB, MFR 5002a Main St, Downers Grove 3100 Theodore St, Ste 202, Joliet 630-241-4100 • Lymphatics.net Sharon Vogel is referred to by Mayo Clinic practitioners, national surgeons and physicians. She offers 46 years hands-on experience, 29 years as a licensed practitioner, and is Nationally Board Certified, specializing in oncology massage, lymph drainage MLD and myofascial release JFB MFR, all to help assist clients in regaining health. Free consult with RSVP.

ROTH STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

The research is overwhelming on the benefits of using phytocannabinoids from hemp. As a certified holistic health advisor, let me help answer your questions and see if hemp oil extract is right for you. Over thousands of studies support the therapeutic benefits of phytocannabinoid diols for over 250 health conditions. I offer the world’s best, one-of-akind hemp extract that has the power of intravenous therapy within a convenient oral, liposomal delivery system. Visit our website or attend a local presentation to learn more about this new science. Get involved with this revolution in health. We are looking for professionals and influencers to work with contact me for more info. See ad on page 19.

COACHING & COUNSELING SUSAN CURRY

Diane Roth, BCSI Highland Park, 60035 847-533-3213 • RothSI.com Structural Integration (SI) realigns, rebalances and re-educates the body through manual therapy and movement education. Chronic pain, bad posture, tired and achy bodies are signs that the body is out of balance. SI benefits include decreased pain, injury rehabilitation, improved posture, ease in movement, and increased flexibility and stamina.

InteriorWerx 312-479-7893 Info@InteriorWerx.us InteriorWerx.us Feeling anxious or scared? Are you seeking solutions to regain emotional balance and clarity? Susan Curry of InteriorWerx can assist, using her intuitive energy coaching skills. 15-min complimentary phone consult available using promo MYFIRSTSESSION.

You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. ~Mahatma Gandhi

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CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY ONE MIND AND BODY CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Carol G. Sherby, BS, LMT, BCST 22W550 Poss St, Glen Ellyn Also located in Tucson, AZ 630-205-1075 OneMindAndBody.com Carol Sherby uses gentle CranioSacral Therapy to help treat pain and dysfunction associated with a wide range of medical issues, including concussions, migraines, neck and back pain, torticollis, autism, chronic fatigue and more. She takes a holistic approach to healing, and how constrictions to nerve fibers can arise in response to physical injury, stress or emotional trauma. Through CST technique, massage and reflexology, balance can be achieved, promoting wellness in mind, body and spirit.

DANCE FOR HEALTH TIME TO DANCE WITH CBG INSTITUTE FOR DANCE & HEALTH North Shore School of Dance 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park 60035 DanceForJoy16@gmail.com CBG-Institute.org

Discover the healing art of dance through ballet, modern and tap for adults 50+.

Dance is proven to have both physical and psychological benefits. Taught by dancer teachers Lisa Gold, Lynne Chervony Belsky, MD, and Lorraine Chase. See ad on page 21.

DIGESTIVE HEALTH SPECIALIST RENEÉ S. BARASCH, LDHS

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE HEAL N CURE MEDICAL WELLNESS

Meena Malhotra, MD, ABIM, ABOM 2420 Ravine Way, Ste 400, Glenview 60025 847-686-4444 • HealNCure.com Specializing in medical wellness, weight loss, hormone balancing, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and anti-aging using integrative and functional medicine. We find and resolve the root cause of medical conditions and achieve outstanding, lasting results for our patients, many of which had almost given up on wellness goals. Free educational seminars. PPO insurance and Medicare accepted for covered services.

See ad on page 3.

GYMS, FITNESS & ONLINE WORKOUTS GET FIT EGV

Rowena Dziubla, Owner 773-819-7459 • CoachRo@GetFitEGV.com Facebook | Instagram RX your workout at GET FIT EGV located at 1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 206 in Elk Grove Village. Semi-private classes available 7 days a week: barbell/Olympic training, HIIT, bootcamp and more. We also offer ONLINE virtual coaching options for home workouts; see website for more info.

HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS STUDIO

316 Peterson Rd, Libertyville 60048 847-207-2034 DigestiveHealthSolutions.com

Heidi Smith, CINHC, CCWS, CMP 312-259-7585 HeidiSmith@IntegrativeWellnessStudio.net IntegrativeWellnessStudio.net

Digestive problems? Acid Reflux/ GERD, IBS, Crohn’s, colitis? Let us help you naturally achieve nutritional balance, feel better and enhance the quality of your life. Improve digestion while reducing discomfort and bloating so you can eat the foods you love again. Certified digestive health specialist/enzyme therapist. See ads on pages 7 and 39.

Personalized health coaching programs to help you reach sustainable health for life through better nutrition and lifestyle changes. Areas of specialty include celiac disease, autoimmune disorders, women’s health and weight management. Understanding.

Encouragement. Support. Accountability.

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY FLOAT THERAPY FLOTSTONE

57 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff 60044 847-482-1700 Flotstone.com Floatation therapy is quickly being recognized as a very safe and effective way to shift into the parasympathetic state of total relaxation. Floating cradles you in its graceful healing waters optimizing your body’s ability to do what it does best, heal! Float effortlessly in over 1,250 lbs of Epsom salt.

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Chicago

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DR. ALLA AVER, DDS

2400 Ravine Way, Suite 400, Glenview 60025 847-998-5100 GlenviewSmiles.com Our office uses whole-body, preventive dental care. We utilize non-fluoridated ozonated water, herbal periodontal treatments, and gluten-free herbal paste. We offer: safe amalgam removal; BPA-free fillings and sealants; non-metal crowns; sleep apnea and TMJ appliances; ozone therapy; microscopic plaque analysis; material reactivity testing kits; and non-acrylic night guards, partials. See ad on page 13.

ANDIE PEARSON, DMD

Essentially Pure Cosmetic & Family Dentistry 1535 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 108, Northbrook 847-977-1655 EssentiallyPureDental.com Holistic dentistry involves an awareness of care that relates to the entire person. We are a full-service practice using the most biocompatible dental options and laser dentistry (no numbing in most cases). Our services range from non-surgical gum care to mercury- and PBA-free restorations, crowns, bridges, partial and full dentures, children’s dentistry, braces, dental homeopathy and CranioSacral Therapy. See ad on page 11.

K. BOEHM, DDS, & ASSOCIATES

1585 N Barrington Rd, Ste 106, Hoffman Estates 60069 847-884-1220 1440 Maple Ave, Ste 2A Lisle 60532 630-810-1280 • KBoehmDDS.com

Offering state-of-the-art holistic dental care in a relaxed environment, Dr. Boehm and his staff are ready to meet all your dental needs in either of his two locations. Bio-compatible materials and an extensive knowledge of the correlation between oral and overall health are his specialties. Services include safe mercury removal, electrodermal screening for materials compatibility and tooth viability, crowns, bridges, dentures, zirconia implants, homeopathy, cranial osteopathy, orthodontics, ozone therapy, CT/3D imaging, and laser treatment for both gum disease and decay.

WRIGLEYVILLE DENTAL

Dr. Bernice Teplitsky, DDS, PC 3256 N Ashland, Chicago 60657 773-975-6666 WrigleyvilleDental.com WrigleyvilleDental.comIn addition to state-of-the-art technology and methods offered by most holistic dentists (microscopes, ozone therapy, etc.), we treat you as a partner. We thoroughly explain your unique situation, provide treatment options and keep you comfortable with Netflix, music and paraffin wax treatments. Now offering reiki treatments. Located off the Brown line.

Free garage parking.

HOLISTIC HEALTH PRACTITIONER BIO-ENERGY CENTER

Kankakee Natural Foods BioEnergy Center 815-933-6236 KankakeeNaturalFoods.com Our BioEnergy Center brings together state-ofthe-art machines in one location for an integrative wellness experience. Our approach to healing meets each client’s unique needs through personalized testing and therapies. Come as you are, no appointment needed.

Kankakee Natural Foods Wellness under One Roof.

EPIGENETIC SIGNATURE MAPPING Wellness Empowered 2177 Shermer Rd, Northbrook 60062 847-963-6094 YourWellnessEmpowered.com

Every hair on our head contains valuable genetic information coded in DNA biomarkers. The Cell Well-Being hair profiler assesses for nutritional deficiencies, immune health and environmental toxins. Becoming aware of healthier lifestyle choices is crucial to repair damaged DNA. The scan includes a 1-hr consultation with a holistic practitioner to review your results and assist you on your wellness journey.

INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY ELLEN KATZ, MS, LMFT

Clinical Director, Inner Balance Northbrook, Chicago, Palm Springs 847-224-0244 EllenKatz.net Ellen’s 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist integrates a conscious approach to healing old patterns through a mix of trauma and mindfulness-based psychotherapies, HMR, Lifeline, The Work (Byron Katie), energy medicine and somatic awareness. Join Meetup.com “Inner Balance Meditation” for updates on her events, and visit her at EllenKatz.net.

UPSIDE COUNSELING P.C. WHOLE LIFE SPINE & SOFT TISSUE Christopher Codina, DC 33 W Higgins Rd, Ste 735 South Barrington 60010 WholeLifeChiroHE.com

Constantly foam rolling or taking meds to get through the day, just for it to come back?

Learn how something that is easily treated and commonly found in the body may be the reason for your pain. Schedule your free consultation today to learn more. Conveniently located and insurance accepted.

Craig Mead, LCSW, LCPC Chicago clinical office closed for in-person Telehealth office hours by appt 312-918-2885 UpsideCounselingPC.com Teletherapy is the right solution to get the counseling help you need right now. Chronic stress and anxiety can easily develop into depression, making difficult life circumstances even harder to manage. Craig Mead can help you learn and integrate alternative holistic wellness practices to help relieve stress, anxiety and depression. See ad on page 15.

LIFELONG LEARNING & PERSONAL GROWTH CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN METRO CHICAGO CSMetroChicago.org

ad on page 15.

Resources for your spiritual journey … events, weekly online podcasts, community worship services, Christian Science Reading Rooms. Explore our website and connect with us at more than 24 locations around Chicago. See

THE EDGAR CAYCE HOLISTIC CENTER AND BOOKSTORE

At Unity Northwest Church 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines 60016 847-299-6535 • AREChicagoCenter@gmail.com Full-service bookstore, Cayce remedies, spiritual growth study groups, monthly programs, workshops and holistic fairs, intuitive skills development training, knowledgeable seekers, intuitives, healers and more. Call for hours. See ad on page 11.

INFINITY FOUNDATION

INTUITIVE CONSULTATION HOLISTIC SKINCARE NEFERTEM HOLISTIC SKINCARE Info@NefertemNaturals.com NefertemNaturals.com FB: NefertemNaturals IG: @NefertemNaturals

Imagine skincare made with all-natural ingredients, purposefully formulated to support your spiritual journey.

Offering soaps to cleanse your aura, moisturizers to cultivate confidence and aromatherapy sprays to inspire growth. Create an opportunity to reflect and evolve daily with Nefertem. 100% Natural. 90% Organic.

0% Artificial. 10% off code: NATURAL10.

AKASHIC COUNSEL

Eunice Marchman AkashicCounsel@gmail.com AkashicCounsel.org Curious about your soul’s purpose?

Think about where you would like insight and healing information.

Let’s open the records insightfully to receive, heal and enrich your current situation. An Akashic reading can help you reconnect to your deeper self and enable you to move on with a clearer sense of purpose.

MICHELE HEATHER

847-509-8289 MicheleHeather1@yahoo.com

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE thriveMD – OPTIMAL HEALTH

Dr. Greg Seaman 1355 Remington Rd, Ste I, Schaumburg IL 60173 312-600-5070 Info@thriveMD.org

Using IV therapies, PRP, weight management and other natural programs, we help conditions like fatigue, brain fog, hormone imbalance, pain, injury, weight gain, decreased performance, tickborn disease and more. After an initial consultation, we design your custom program to obtain true optimal health, which includes living a healthy lifestyle and being committed to yourself. See ads on pages 5 and 19.

Get clarity, direction and empowerment as we release old patterns and blockages that keep you feeling stuck in life. Using Soul Memory Discovery, Michele helps you work with your angels and guides to practice new inner processes and expand into your highest good and true self. Michele is also intuitive and a Reiki Master Teacher.

1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park 60035 847-831-8828 • InfinityFoundation.org All courses now on Zoom, many are recorded to watch later. CEUs available. John Holland, Bridging Two Realms, December 3. Understanding Astrological Reasons for Crisis, December 14. Call for free course guide.

TEAM SAGE: STUDIO FOR JOURNAL WRITING Laura Stukel 773-251-1631 Laura.TeamSage@gmail.com TeamSage.studio

Reflective journal writing is a mindful way to direct your own growth, to tap the wisdom within. Thoughtfully designed online workshops give you space to explore new techniques for deeper insights, greater personal growth, more variety and less effort.

Resources you can try in 20 mins or explore over 6 wks.

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. ~The Dalai Lama December 2020

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JANUARY

MEDITATION CENTER KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTER CHICAGO

HEALING WAVES SOUND THERAPY

Meditation and modern Buddhism. Everyone welcome. We offer an array of drop-in classes, weekend events, and retreats open to everyone and suitable for all levels of experience. A nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, we’re dedicated to sharing the practical wisdom of Buddha’s teachings with Chicagoland through meditation and mindfulness practices.

Alternative emotional therapy using applied specific sound frequencies to release you from the weight of unwanted emotional burdens. Common emotions worked with are anxiety, fear, anger, depression, grief, worry, suicidal thoughts, stress and much more.

In-person and remote sessions are available.

13 Harrison St, Oak Park 60304 2010 W Pierce Ave, Chicago 60622 708-763-0132 • MeditateInChicago.org

Health & Wellness on a Budget

NATUROPATHIC CONSULTATION DR. ALLA ARUTCHEVA, MD, PHD, ND

Associate Professor, Rush University Med. School Antalee Wellness 1836 Glenview Rd, 2nd Fl, Glenview 60025 847-486-1130 • AntaleeHolistic.com Have gut problems? Suspect leaky gut? Do not give up! We have a solution for you! Our key strategies are “DetermineRemoveRepairRestore” that address the gut health and integrity of the intestinal wall. Special individual program will be created and help your gut be happy again. Learn more about leaky gut and our therapeutic strategy at AntaleeHolistic.com.

NUTRITIONAL IV THERAPY thriveIV

Located inside CryoEffect Spas and Freeze Fix: 1967 N Halsted, Chicago 312-741-1789 211 W Lake St, Chicago 312-741-1787 714 N Lasalle St, Chicago 312-756-8186 24B Chicago Ave, Hinsdale 630-632-3214 Cryo-Effect.com thriveIV is managed by thriveMD 1355 Remington Rd, Schaumburg 312-600-5070 • thriveMD.com

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Chicago

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1733 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago 60647 773-485-2935 Info@HealingWavesSoundTherapy.com HealingWavesSoundTherapy.com

SOUL ENERGY

Plus: Holistic Hospital Care

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

SOUND THERAPY

thriveIV offers a way to deliver vital fluids, vitamins, electrolytes and nutrients directly into the bloodstream which can restore hydration, support the immune system and aid in faster recovery. Offerings include nutritional, immune support, weight loss, vitality and stress relief. thriveIV services now offered at various CryoEffect locations and Freeze Fix in Hinsdale. See ad on page 19.

Mary Ellen Azzi 3323 N Pulaski, Chicago 60641 773-609-3466 SoulEnergyWeb.com Life is full of challenges but we can learn to flow with the continual changes.

Receive a combination of vibrational sound therapy, meditation, reiki and other energy modalities to release the charged energies of these times. Offering private sessions, group sound journeys, and reiki classes by creating a virtual space that is kind, caring, supportive and safe.

THERMOGRAPHY AND THERMOMETRY SCANNING WELLNESS EMPOWERED

2177 Shermer Rd, Northbrook 60062 847-963-6094 YourWellnessEmpowered.com Whole Body Thermometry (WBT) is a gentle, painless testing method utilizing a radiation-free, infrared-scanning device which assesses and identifies which organs are struggling to regulate. Knowing which organ systems are stressed, enables us to take preventive actions to restore and maintain balanced organ function. This remarkable adjunct diagnostic device, enables us to see the contributing factors that often manifest long before symptoms of chronic illness appear.

CLICK ON nachicago.com for the latest updates in health & wellness

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NEW: Full-Time training and federal financial aid available! Complete your shiatsu studies in 9 months.

Rooted in universal principles of change and balance, the study of Zen Shiatsu enriches your life while you learn to help others.

Learn to relieve aches and pains through acupressure and assisted stretching while also listening to the deeper messages our bodies have to tell us. Try an entry-level class and decide if our program is the one you’ve been looking for.

Beginning Zen Shiatsu 5 Day Intensive Session Dec 14-18, Mon-Fri 10am-5pm 10 Week Sessions Starting January 2021, Daytime or Evening Full-Time Training Tue/Wed/Thu 9:00-4:3o, Jan 12-Oct 13 or try one of our

Free Introductory Workshops December 17, Thursday, 7:00-9:30pm January 5, Tuesday, 10:00am-12:30pm To view more class times visit zenshiatsuchicago.org/schedule/

E-mail info@zenshiatsuchicago.org or call 847-864-1130 to sign up today!

www.zenshiatsuchicago.org

CEs Available

Approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education

818 Lake St., Evanston, IL