October 2023 Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine

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

Our integrated approach has helped thousands of patients with hormonal imbalance using following tools:

“I want to thank you for being such an important asset for me in my journey to finally make some real changes in my health. I think what I most appreciate and value is the time you spend with me at each appointment. Most importantly, because your approach is so encouraging and supportive, even though I’ve struggled with my own depression and stress, I’ve never felt shamed or judged by you or your staff.” ~Jill B, LCSW

Your Metabolic and hormonal make-up, along with the toxicity in your body, is

When it comes to cancer, prevention is the best strategy

All cancers begin at cellular level. At that time most of them are too small to be identified by common screening methods. A robust immune system is the best tool to get rid of them at that stage. To empower your body to fight cancer:

♦ The phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables help with DNA repair. So, make sure to consume a rainbow everyday.

♦ Avoid sugar and processed refined carbs, as insulin resistance fuels growth of tumor cells.

♦ Detoxify. The duration and intensity varies from person to person, depending how toxic your body is.

♦ Optimize your hormones. Estrogen dominance and relative progesterone deficiency creates an environment where cancer cells multiply.

as important if not more so than your genetics for cancer cells to take root.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to the crisp and colorful ambiance of October!

Last evening, I was watching the crescent moon setting on one of the last nights of summer. After a week or more of fall-like temperatures and rainy days, we were suddenly back into summer again. As a result, the moon had a poetic cast to it, with a yellow-orange color glowing through the foggy mist of clouds and humidity. Cicadas, crickets and other night insects were chorusing loudly, instinctively responding to the warmth and humidity, as if serenading the late summer moon as we approached the fall equinox. As I sat for a few minutes taking in the scene, I began to wonder about how many people throughout the ages have watched a late summer moon and pondered the transition of seasons.

This month in our Natural Awakenings Chicago magazine, we’re exploring the enriching wisdom of traditional medicine and healing, the meditative practices of qigong and tai chi, the nurturing path of the modern macrobiotic diet, the inspiration of finding wonder and awe in nature and the ways in which we can support pets, too, with traditional healing practices.

This issue offers a tribute to the wisdom of ages and an introduction to some of the healing traditions that have endured and thrived. In our feature article, we dive deeply into the heart of Traditional World Medicine. It’s a journey that reminds us that the roots of health and well-being are deeply entwined with nature and the practices of our collective ancestors. As we explore some of the age-old remedies and holistic approaches, may you find inspiration in their enduring effectiveness.

This month, we also take a modern approach to the macrobiotic diet, as writer Veronica Hinke explores ways that we can adapt this healthful, seasonal lifestyle to our busy lives. As a side note, shortly before I began publishing Natural Awakenings Chicago in October 2010, I had the good fortune to participate in a three-day cooking intensive in Philadelphia with author and PBS host Christina Pirello (who is interviewed in our macrobiotics article), where I learned about traditional and more modern macrobiotic approaches to preparing foods.

She stressed the importance of eating seasonally, not just for environmental reasons, but also to bring our own bodies in to the rhythm and harmony of the year by eating what she described as “whole, unprocessed, seasonal food, cooked in accordance with your own conditions and lifestyle.” Through seasonal food and preparation choices, macrobiotic approaches can help us strengthen our internal systems, replenish our energy and maintain balance in life.

As always, I encourage you to step outside every day and take in the wonder and awe of the month. Take a hike or paddle a local river to enjoy the early autumn warmth, visit one of the great spots in Sheryl DeVore’s Natural Chicago article to view the fall colors, linger over your garden, watch for late migrations of birds, look up at the October moon and try to allow yourself to get into the rhythm and balance of the season.

Throughout the pages of this October issue, may you find a world of inspiration, knowledge and a renewed sense of wonder. Consider the possibilities of the traditions, the nourishment, the creativity and the wisdom that are included these pages. May they add meaning and positivity to your path. As we begin our 14th year of publishing, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.

Happy October!

Publisher Peggy Malecki

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Peggy Malecki

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D

Is your body telling you it needs help?

Do new symptoms creep up on you too fast?

Have dietary modifications failed to provide relief?

Help is a phone call away.

Reneé Barasch, Certified Digestive Health and Detoxification Specialist, has been helping clients achieve nutritional balance and enhance quality of life for more than 17 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.

Working with Reneé, you will:

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

• Understand which foods agree with you— 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

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.

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.

Stay strong and healthy with a gut ‘reset.’

• Effectively and efficiently digest food.

• Reduce inflammation.

• Nourish your gut—and ensure your 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.

Guided Meditations at The Peaceful Healing Place

The Peaceful Healing Place, in Algonquin, is a place of respite, designed to allow us to reconnect with self. Founder Ninetta Keenan offers guided group meditations on the first Wednesday of every month, as well as private group guided meditations and individual Chill sessions available anytime they are open—a time to simply sip tea, listen to soft, soothing music and just chill.

The next group guided meditation is on Wednesday, October 4 from 7 to 8.pm. The theme for this evening event will focus on the Metal Element, the Element of Autumn in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This session provides a time for slowing down, going inward, reflecting on what no longer serves our highest good and setting it free.

The location is also the home of Inner Essence Shiatsu where Keenan, a graduate of Zen Shiatsu Chicago, offers a style of Japanese therapeutic massage called Zen Shiatsu, plus the healing modalities of cupping, gua sha and moxibustion.

Group meditation cost: $10 per person, reservations required. Location: 1700 E. Algonquin Rd., Ste. 218, Algonquin. For more information, call 847-877-4230 or visit PeacefulHealingPlace.com

See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Green Team Summit Encompasses Three States

The Faith in Place annual Green Team Summit from October 8 to 11 will offer a hybrid experience exploring how we can create a more inclusive and intersectional environmental movement.

Keynote speaker Leah Thomas on October 8 is the founder of Intersectional Environmentalist and recognized by Time magazine as one of the world’s top 100 rising stars. While fully accessible virtually, local keynote watch parties are planned in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

During four days and six sessions, participants will be immersed in inspiring conversations that delve into the profound connection between spirituality, the environment and justice.

For more information including locations upon registering, visit GreenTeamSummit.org See ad on page 39

NLP Practitioner Certification Training to be Offered in Rosemont

Empowerment, Inc., will host a four-day Integrative Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner Certification Training from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., October 12 to 15, at the Westin O’Hare, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. on the first day. Described as a user manual for the conscious and unconscious mind, the method is utilized by many successful people to bring about immediate and effective changes in their lives.

Participants will receive hands-on training, demonstrations, tools, techniques, and an action plan to put into practice as a certified practitioner following the sessions, which are backed by Empowerment Inc.’s 100 percent satisfaction or your money back guarantee.

A recent graduate shared, “No words can communicate the power that I gained from this NLP Practitioner Training. It is an unlocked understanding of communication within yourself that naturally flows out to others.” – Heather (Winterville, NC).

Cost: $294. Location: 6100 N. River Rd, Rosemont, IL. Register at nlp.com/nlp-training-chicago-illinois. For more information, call 800-800-6463 or email info@nlp.com See ad on page 15

Gemz and Boardz Seeks Healers for Events

In celebration of their one year anniversary, Gemz and Boardz will host events this fall in Chicago and suburban Berwyn, and is seeking four to six independent healers to join them to offer their paid services to attendees. Vendors will need to provide and set up their own tables to allow customers to move to different stations to obtain various services. Examples of healing services that can apply include readings, acupuncture, yoga, reiki, sound healing, massage therapy, herbalism and more.

Events include 5 to 7 p.m., October 29, at Freedomlei State of Mind, in Berwyn and and 1:11 to 7:11 p.m., November 18, at Gemz and Boardz, 3101 W .Montrose Ave., Chicago (one year anniversary celebration).

Event locations: 3101 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago; 6931 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn. To apply, visit forms.gle/uAG29NNig6c42sJL7. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com

Ninetta Keenan

Photo courtesy of Ninetta Keenan

Scan the QR code for more information and to register

Dr. Bryan Ardis Robert Scott Bell

Dr. Todd Frisch

Dr. Brian Hooker

Jonathan Emord

Ellen Tart Jensen Morley Robbins

Dr. Mark Richards

Trinity Health Freedom Expo in Tinley Park

The Trinity Health Freedom Expo, to take place October 14 and 15 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, will be a community gathering of natural health enthusiasts and health freedom advocates. The weekend event will feature more than 30 expert speakers—including Dr. Brian Hooker, Dr. Mark Richards and Dr. Ellen Tart-Jensen—and 75 wellness industry business professionals, with a mission to educate and encourage others on how to make informed healthcare decisions.

Two interactive discussion panels—Health Freedom and Complementary and Alternative Medicine in America—as well as a private symposium with Dr. Bryan Ardis, the CEO of ArdisLabs, Host of The Dr. Ardis Show, chiropractor, acupuncturist and medical researcher, will be available to attendees. Private Symposium seating is limited, so reserve a spot now. A virtual expo in February 2024 will give access to lecture recordings, new speakers and exhibitors, and the virtual exhibit hall.

Location: 18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park. Preregister for the live xxpo at 888-658-6976 or TrinityHealthFreedomExpo.com by Oct. 13 to receive a single weekend pass for $25 (reg. $30) or a one-day pass for $15 (reg. $20). Trinity students and graduates, senior citizens, students and military/first responders can save an additional $5 by clicking the corresponding box at checkout. Add the private symposium for $50 or the virtual expo for $25. See ad on page 9

Learn the Power of Tapping Unseen Energies with Sandra Anne Taylor

Sandra Anne Taylor, bestselling author of The Akashic Records Made Easy, will present a hybrid workshop on the unseen energetic world of universal abundance and Spirit assistance, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., October 21, in person at Infinity Foundation, in Highland Park, Illinois, and online via Zoom.

Participants will discover the abundance and possibilities available through intuitive alignment and spiritual assistance. They can gain practical skills to use every day to connect with the universal mind, ascended masters, angelic realm and Spirit.

Zoom participants will receive a link for viewing. This course will also be recorded, and a link will be sent for it to be watched later.

Cost: $95 or $85 with payment 10 days in advance (six CEUs available). Location: 1280 Old Skokie Valley Rd. For more information, call 847-831-8828 or email Infinity@InfinityFound.org. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com

Body Mind Spirit Expo Returns to Northlake this Fall

Body Mind Spirit Expo will be held at the Midwest Conference Center in Chicago-Northlake on October 21 and 22, featuring some of the city’s top psychics, healers, mediums, natural health practitioners and more.

Free sessions include Leigh Ann Mills with Love and Light Reiki; Renee Oswald with Hypnotherapy to Change Your Life; Sarah Maria Enoch with Guided Meditation of the Inner Child and Sound Bath; and Katherine Flynn and Lisa Hagenbuch with Channeled Astrology—Eclipses.

Body Mind Spirit seeks to awaken our sixth sense through infotainment. They believe all humans are more alike than different, and that by supporting the holistic community, humanity can transform the world, one heart at a time.

Location: 401 W. Lake St., Chicago (Northlake). For tickets, schedules, information and vendor applications, visit BMSE.net See ad on page 3

Sandra Anne Taylor

Holistic Health Fair Offers Vendors, Speakers and Healers

Discover a world of holistic health and wellness, integrative medicine and metaphysical wonders with more than 60 vendors, speakers and energy healers presenting a wide range of services and products such as crystals and gems, sound healing, jewelry, massage, skincare, reiki, chiropractic care, nutrition and supplements, spiritual guidance/readings, candles, meditation, essential oils and more at the Holistic Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 5, at Hilton Chicago-Northbrook. Attendees can sample products, experience therapeutic techniques and learn from professionals about the latest in holistic health, mindfulness, spiritual growth, sustainable living and more. Speakers will impart experiential learning and a wealth of knowledge about holistic health, integrative medicine and spiritual development, tapping into the best version of ourselves and more.

Save $2 off each ticket online before the show. Location: 2855 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. For more information, call 262-515-1472, email Info@HolisticHealthFair.org or visit HolisticHealthFair.org. Vendors can apply for space at HolisticHealthFair.org/vendors

See ad on page 19

Morton Arboretum Illumination Display Celebrates Holiday Season

The 11th annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, one of the best Christmas light displays in the U.S., will feature a new, fully ADA accessible route, light displays and curated music from November 18 through January 6, in Lisle. It will be closed on select Mondays and on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Guests can explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic tree collections while immersed in a spectacle of color, light and sound.

IllumiBrew, on November 16 and 17, provides a first look at the newest version of Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum while sampling local brews along the trail.

Electric Illumination, for ages 18 and older, will enjoy a curated mix of trance and progressive house music, synchronized to the immersive light displays. The fun begins at 9:30 p.m. on December 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Location: 4100 IL-53, Lisle. For more information or to obtain tickets, visit MortonArb.org

Become Certified in Reflexology

The new Chicago-based Professional Reflexology School has opened and is enrolling now for its 300-hour reflexology certification course that starts in January and runs through May. Founded by certified practitioner Jasmin Jahal, this is the only reflexology certification school in the greater Chicago area. Jahal, owner of Jasmin Reflexology, is a nationally certified reflexologist with a private practice in Norridge. She also works with the Lutheran General Hospital Cancer Survivorship Center.

The program is designed to meet the needs of working practitioners and adults looking to expand their practices or start new careers, offering a mix of weekday and weekend online sessions and in-person instruction at the Cancer Survivorship Center of Lutheran General Hospital, in Park Ridge. Led by Jahal, coursework includes lessons, independent study and documented clinical and independent, handson sessions.

Jahal is holding the introductory event, Reflexology Can Help You, from 7 to 9 p.m., October 17, at Anne’s Haven, located at 5629 W. Irving Park Road, in Chicago. The first five registrants receive a 10-minute session. Students that successfully complete the course will be prepared to take the American Reflexology Certification Board national exam, which is required for becoming a national board-certified reflexology practitioner.

For more information and to make an appointment, call 773-979-5351 or visit Bloom2Wellness.com and ProReflexologySchool.com. To register for the Oct. 17 event ($5 donation suggested), email JasminJahal@hotmail.com See ad on page 16, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com

Jasmin Jahal

Photo credit The Morton Arboretum

Photo courtesy Jasmin Jahal

The most creative act you will ever undertake is the act of creating yourself.

—Deepak Chopra

Raffle for a Rivian Electric Vehicle Supports Sustainability

Entering the Illinois Solar Education Association (ISEA) Rivian Raffle will support their mission for Illinois’ transition to a sustainable future by providing solar resources to homeowners, businesses and policy makers. Every ticket purchase goes directly toward making our world a greener place. The sole winner may choose either the R1T or R1S model from Rivian.

U.S.-based Rivian manufactures vehicles that are made for the planet, combining an adventurous spirit with a focus on building for the future. Their mission to design and produce electric vehicles as sustainably as possible dovetails with that of ISEA to educate and advocate for solar energy.

This Fall … Reboot. Recharge. Rejuvenate.

One ticket costs $100 or buy four for $300 at Go.RallyUp.com/isea-rivian-raffle-2023

Only 2,500 tickets will be sold. See ad on page 29 and at NAChicago.com

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N95 Masks May Cause Cardiopulmonary Overload

Face masks are used to reduce the transmission of airborne diseases. Nevertheless, for certain people, extended use of an N95 mask may be problematic, and that is what Chinese researchers set out to study in a randomized clinical trial published this year in JAMA Network Open.

For 14 hours in a controlled setting, 30 healthy participants were randomly assigned to receive various interventions with and without the N95 mask, including two 30-minute, light-exercise sessions. Biometric measurements and blood samples were taken before, during and after each testing period

The scientists found that wearing an N95 mask resulted in reduced respiration rate and oxygen saturation within one hour, and an elevated heart rate two hours later, which continued until the mask was taken off. During exercise, mask-induced cardiopulmonary stress was further exacerbated, as heart rate

and blood pressure increased, and respiration rate and oxygen saturation decreased. Energy expenditure and fat oxidation were elevated.

After the 14-hour masked period, blood pH markers decreased, which may cause drowsiness, stupor and even coma in extreme cases, according to the National Institutes of Health. The study authors note that chronic cardiopulmonary stress may increase cardiovascular diseases and overall mortality in elderly individuals, children and those with cardiopulmonary diseases. Further investigation is needed to explore the effects of different masks on various populations.

Yoga for Prostate Cancer Patients

According to the American Cancer Society, about one man in eight will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, with six in 10 of these cases in men 65 years and older. Non-Hispanic Black men have a 75 percent higher risk and are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than white men, with genetics accounting for some of these disparities.

Researchers from The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio evaluated the impact of yoga on quality of life, as well as on immune and inflammatory responses. Published in the Journal of Urology, the study included 30 men with cancer that were scheduled for radical prostate removal. Half of the patients performed 60 minutes of yoga twice a week for six weeks before surgery and for three to six weeks after surgery. The other patients received standard care.

The group that performed yoga reported higher quality-of-life scores, including reduced fatigue and improvements in physical, sexual, functional and social well-being. Based on blood samples, the scientists also found that yoga promoted an anti-tumor immune response and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels.

Hair Tapping

New methods for cultivating healthy hair growth have been gaining traction amongst young people on social media platforms, including hair tapping, a technique popularized in Korean and Japanese hair spas. According to hair-care experts, hair tapping is similar to a scalp massage and involves gentle drumming movements along the scalp with the fingers. Hair-tapping techniques draw from acupuncture, the practice of releasing energy by accessing certain landmarks in the body.

Like other kinds of scalp massages, hair tapping may relieve scalp tension, stimulate blood flow and improve lymphatic drainage. A Japanese study found that four-minute daily scalp massages over a 24-week period increased hair thickness by changing the expression of human dermal papilla cells in tissue under the skin. And a 2019 self-assessment survey found scalp massages improved hair growth for individuals with hair loss.

Always make decisions that prioritize your inner peace.

—Izey Victoria Odiase

Earthing for Self-Connection

Humans have sat, stood, strolled and slept on the ground throughout the ages with the skin of our bodies touching the skin of the Earth and this contact has served to transfer the planet’s natural healing energy into the body. The ground has a subtle negative electrical charge, and its energy field is constantly releasing ions into the environment at a low level. Earthing, also known as grounding, represents the discovery that reconnecting to the Earth restores a timeless link to nature, revitalizing the body, reducing pain and stress and improving our health, sleep, mood and appearance.

While modern lifestyles have disconnected us and made us more vulnerable to inflammation, pain, stress, poor sleep and sickness, the idea behind this practice is that by connecting directly to the Earth, either through direct skin contact with the ground (such as through our bare feet) or by standing on something conductive, we can absorb its bioelectrical charge in the form of electrons that deliver energy and antioxidants to our cells. Here are five ways to try earthing.

Go barefoot: This is the easiest way to practice grounding. Take a walk barefoot on grass, sand, soil, rocks or concrete in a park the backyard or elsewhere in nature.

Lie on the ground: The more contact made with the ground, the better. Lie on the beach

and let the bare skin come in contact with the sand or find a patch of grass in a park or the backyard.

Do some gardening: Gardening puts us in direct, sustained contact with the Earth. Make it a point to spend 20 to 30 minutes gardening and connecting with the soil a few times a week.

Touch a plant: Go out for a walk in the woods and touch the trees and foliage.

Go for a swim: Water conducts electrical charges well, which facilitates our being grounded. Go for a swim or just splash feet or hands in the water.

Virginia Gullo-Ciaccio is the founder and owner of The Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, located at 60 W. Campbell St., in Arlington Heights. For more information, call 224-735-2355 or visit PhilosophersStone Apothecary.com See ad on page 17, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com

Photo by Natalie Bond for pexels 3759659/

Earth Has Tilted Due to Groundwater Pumping

A study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters shows that the pumping of groundwater impacts the tilt of Earth’s rotation and further exacerbates climate change. The study reports that in less than two decades, Earth has tilted 31.5 inches because of pumping groundwater, equating to about a quarter of an inch of sea level rise.

Previous research from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 2016 demonstrates that because the Earth moves on a rotational pole, the distribution of water on the planet impacts the distribution of mass. In other words, the Earth spins a little differently as water is moved around due to pumping, ultimately impacting its tilt. Researchers believe this shift could have serious consequences in the long term—from changes in climate patterns to more frequent seismic activity if Earth’s core moves as a result.

Human activities, such as irrigation, water consumption and global droughts have led to a considerable amount of groundwater pumping in the last few decades, with the water eventually relocating to the oceans. Conservationists are using this data to understand how to rethink water usage and work toward preventing continued sea level rise and other climate issues.

Judge Rules for Youths in Climate-Change Trial

In a landmark climate case in Montana, a group of young people has emerged victorious. The judge ruled in Held v. Montana that the state’s failure to consider climate change when approving fossil fuel projects was unconstitutional, thereby placing the burden on state agencies to take action to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions.

This decision marks a significant win in the fight against government support for oil, gas and coal, which have contributed to global warming. The ruling means that Montana must now take climate change into account when deciding whether to approve or renew fossil fuel projects. The state attorney general’s office intends to appeal the decision.

This case is part of a larger wave of climate-change litigation that targets companies and governments around the world. Other states and cities have sued major companies seeking damages from climate disasters, while individuals have sued governments for enabling the fossil fuel industry and failing to protect citizens. The case, which was the first of its kind to go to trial in the U.S., sets an important precedent for similar cases in other states and may have reverberations around the world.

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Green Living Expo at McHenry County College

The 15th annual Green Living Expo, northern Illinois’ biggest and best sustainability green event, includes vendors and exhibitors from surrounding counties and Wisconsin all focused on eco-friendly Midwest living. The free expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., November 4, at McHenry County College, offering a day of fun, learning and unique experiences. Many new vendors will be present this year, sharing sustainable and affordable options for home and work.

Visitors can learn about solar options and state-offered discounts, shop for green holiday gifts such as soaps, jewelry, books, mushroom growing kits, cards and sustainable toys, as well as learn about new hiking and biking trails. They can also find the latest information about reduced pricing opportunities for purchasing electric vehicles.

A special highlight this year will be the Student Research Forum, at which area college and university students are invited to showcase their sustainability-related research projects, each with a unique and interesting area of study.

Attendees can enjoy locally made pizza and vegan Mexican food, and all serving items and scraps will be composted for a zero waste lunch. The McHenry County Department of Health will provide pumpkin composting for pumpkins and fall décor, and also offer a free and secure onsite shredding service.

Location: 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake. For more information, visit McHenry.edu/greenexpo. Vendors interested in exhibiting at the Expo may also email Sustainability@McHenry.edu See ad on page 19

Federal Aid to Improve Tree Canopy in Disadvantaged Illinois Communities

The Morton Arboretum will receive $15 million in federal funding from the U.S. Forest Service through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to expand and improve the tree canopy in disadvantaged communities throughout Illinois as part of a $1 billion investment to boost the nation’s urban tree cover in underserved communities nationwide. The federal grant funding the Arboretum will receive is the largest award in Illinois, the most awarded to a public garden in the country and a historic sum for the nonprofit, tree-focused organization. All of the funding will flow to disadvantaged communities in all 50 states, territories, Pacific islands and tribal communities.

The Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), an Arboretum-led coalition of more than 200 partner organizations working together to improve Chicago’s regional forest for nearly 10 years, will award sub-grants exclusively to communities and organizations supporting underserved populations to provide more equitable access to trees and bolster resilience to climate change, including urban, rural and tribal areas of the state.

An estimated 450 Illinois communities meet the federal Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool guidelines as disadvantaged or underserved.

Scientific studies have proven those who live in areas with low tree canopy are disproportionately impacted by poor air quality, flooding, higher temperatures and associated health challenges. Organizations will be invited to apply for funding through CRTI in a competitive sub-grant application process. Grant applications are expected to be posted on the CRTI website in late 2023.

We’re celebrating 10 years at Busted!

APPROACHABLE WAYS TO Maintain Breast Health

by Sheila Julson

Information posted by the American Institute for Cancer Research, Mayo Clinic, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the American Cancer Society affirms the importance of lifestyle factors such as a healthy diet and exercise to help prevent breast cancer.

To help maintain good breast health and support the body’s overall ability to fight disease, functional medicine doctor Meena Malhotra, M.D., of Heal n Cure, in Glenview, recommends avoiding artificially processed foods that contain synthetic ingredients. She also notes ongoing research showing links between high “bad” estrogen and increased risks of cancer.

“Therefore, avoid non-organic dairy and animal products, which can increase the ‘bad’ estrogen in the body, due to the large doses of growth hormones given to animals used in commercial dairy production for eggs, milk and meat,” Malhotra advises. “If you do want to consume animal products, they should be certified organic or organically raised.”

The phrase, “Eat the rainbow,” has become commonplace among health and nutrition experts as a way to recommend fruits and vegetables rich in immune-supporting vitamins and antioxidants. “It’s important to include the rainbow in your diet—not through M&M’s— but through colorful fruits and vegetables,” Malhotra emphasizes. “Fruits and vegetables that are blue, purple, yellow, orange or green are high in cancer-fighting phytonutrients.”

Malhotra adds that cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale and cabbage are particularly high in phytonutrients. Green tea, which contains the anticancer and anti-inflammatory compound epigallocatechin gallate, is also a good addition to the diet to help fight breast cancer and other types of cancer.

Sugar can be hidden in many foods and beverages such as fruit juice. Stripped of beneficial fiber, vitamins and minerals, refined carbohydrates are rapidly converted into sugar by the body, which in turn can cause insulin resistance. This, Malhotra says, acts as fuel for the fire. “It creates an environment in the body that’s a breeding ground for cancer cells to flourish.”

THE ROLE OF GENETICS AND SCREENINGS

Malhotra says the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common associated with breast cancer. The TP53 and PTEN are a few other uncommon genes that lead to high breast cancer

risk. She notes that genetic causes are still less common than lifestyle causes for breast cancer. A family history of diseases such as breast cancer may be due to lifestyle factors or habits shared by multigenerational family members, rather than genes.

“If everyone in the is household is putting food into the same BPA plastic containers, or if they’re all eating the same high-sugar diet, then one might believe breast cancer runs in the family. That’s different from the genetic perspective,” Malhotra clarifies. “You have to make sure that you get to the right cause. If you truly have a dominant gene, it doesn’t matter what you do, because it will penetrate, and then intervention is needed.”

Regular breast cancer screenings can help detect abnormalities. Malhotra explains there are four tools to evaluate

Photo by Anna Tarazevich for pexels

the breast: mammogram, ultrasound, thermography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

“The mammogram is the most standardized test. It does include some radiation, but there’s so much experience and standardization behind it, which is the reason it’s an effective screening tool,” she says. The frequency of screenings can vary depending on age or high estrogen dominance in the body.

Thermography works by measuring the body’s surface temperatures to detect underlying physiological changes. Areas with abnormal heat patterns may indicate inflammation, infection or cancer. Malhotra praises thermography as an effective, radiation-free assessment tool, but cautions there is no official standardization for use.

“Thermography is a tool that’s effective, but it is also very user-dependent. Also, thermography cannot view lymph nodes, and breast cancer is often first detected in the armpit, where lymph nodes are.” Thermograms should be performed by someone that has been certified as a Clinical Thermographer by an established organization. Malhotra predicts that artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computer algorithms will eventually lead to better thermography standardization.

Ultrasounds and MRIs are frequently used after abnormalities are detected via mammogram to further investigate breast cancer risks.

Healthier lifestyle habits, along with today’s advanced screening tools, can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. “We just have to know how to use these tools,” Malhotra advises.

Heal n Cure is located at 2420 Ravine Way, Ste. 400, in Glenview. For more information, scan the QR code, call 847-868-4444 or visit HealnCure.com

SPONSORED

A Smart Vacation Retreat: Experience a Healthier Lifestyle

by Philip Smith

Who wouldn’t give a thumbs up to a warm seaside vacation? So, why not make it a “smart” vacation with long-term benefits for overall physical health, weight loss, improved mental attitude and environmental support at the Balance For Life Health Retreat in the Wyndham Hotel in Deerfield Beach, Florida?

The Balance For Life (BFL) mission is that every life should be filled with vibrant physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and a sense of purpose—and teaches the practical tools to attain them in an all-inclusive program focusing on nutrition, fitness, mindfulness and natural treatments. BFL offers a variety of options with specialized programs in juicing, water-only fasting and a SOS-free (no added salt, oil or sugar) plant-based menu for optimal health.

According to Reservations and Information Director Terry Michael, guests overwhelmingly take advantage of this holistic opportunity to de-stress, detoxify and reboot following this gold standard program of plant-exclusive whole food nutrition. “Our remarkable, life-changing program helps guests reduce dependence on medications and processed foods, in addition to experiencing tai chi, yoga and aqua exercises, along with daily health education and recipe/shopping/meal planning workshops from expert physicians, nutritionists and exercise specialists. The overriding goal is to help the guests insure and promote success at home,” she explains.

Harold Lebovic, founder, was involved in health spas in Florida and the Midwest during the 80s and 90s, and personally benefited by losing weight and maintaining a healthier lifestyle after he found himself a member of the obesity epidemic and threatened with acquired chronic diseases. It was that personal journey that motivated him to create Balance for Life in Florida and offer a comprehensive all-inclusive lifestyle program with health director Dr. Frank Sabatino, who brings four decades of research and expertise in health and wellness spa environments. He personally supervises the vegan whole food plant program, as well as the juice cleansing and water-only fasting programs.

In recent years, the medical community has been inves-

tigating more holistic and functional healing options in addition to traditional medicine. Balance for Life clients are people from all different walks of life including educated clinicians, nurses, teachers and moms and daughters who want an ocean front, nurturing sanctuary to start a healthier lifestyle with like-minded people in an intimate group setting.

According to Lebovic, they are not looking for magic potions or lotions, but want to unplug and experience the beginning of a genuine, livable lifestyle. “After the one- or two-week programs, with a daily routine of health education, beach walks, yoga and aqua/fitness exercises classes and a smorgasbord of plant based meals (which our clients always are amazed at feeling full and satisfied at the end of the day), clients go home rejuvenated, with tips on continuing a successful transition to their home environment minimizing the temptations in their ‘real’ world. They get recipes, tips on using equipment like air fryers and instant-pot meal prep and inspiration that comes from how much better they feel after letting the body heal naturally—even after a short period.

“We encourage our clients to take it a day at a time, with small, consistent changes in every aspect of their day-to-day lifestyles. These small consistent steps yield big results as the guests develop healthy routines and make lifelong friends that they often keep in touch with. And many typically come back as repeat guests for a weekend or longer to reset and take their experience to the next level,” Dr. Sabatino confirms.

While the program isn’t a one-size-fits-all, if you are interested in personally learning the basic steps toward a healthier lifestyle while supporting the ethical treatment of animals and caring for the environment, call the reservation line and consult with experts about the value of an all-inclusive retreat at the oceanfront Balance For Life program in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

Philip Smith is the editor-in-chief of Life Extension magazine. For more information about Balance For Life retreats, call 800-663-929 or visit BalanceForLife.com See ads on pages 13 and 21.

Terry Michael

Photo courtesy of Balance For Life

Health Conditions That Happen in the Breast

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TRADITIONAL WORLD HEALING WISDOM RETURNING TO OUR ROOTS

by Carrie Jackson

With time-tested wisdom and natural roots, traditional and Indigenous medicine has been an integral resource for centuries in communities around the world. According to the World Health Organization, 88 percent of all countries are estimated to use traditional medicine, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and shamanism. The contribution of these practices is increasingly being recognized by Western medicine, especially in collaboration with integrative, holistic and regenerative medicine. The pandemic prompted renewed interest in traditional treatments, and incorporating them into wellness and healing modalities is easier and more valuable than ever.

HERBALISM

Herbalist and spiritual coach Lucretia VanDyke integrates rituals, plant- spirit meditation, holistic food and ancestor reverence into her practice. An expert on Southern folk healing, VanDyke notes in her book, African American Herbalism, that Indigenous practices were never lost, but people had to go underground for fear of persecution.

“Herbal and sacred ceremonial practices of enslaved people of African descent were highly regulated or banned by the United States government in an effort to control the people most affected by colonization,” she explains. “In the mid-18th century, Virginia and South Carolina made it a capital offense to practice herbalism, resulting in harsh punishment or even execution if found guilty. Additionally, in 1883, the U.S. Department of Interior came up with the Code of Indian Offenses, which implemented laws that applied only to Native people until 1978. They were punished for dances and feasts by imprisonment or withholding food rations for up to 30 days.”

Noting a resurgence of these once-forbidden practices, VanDyke adds, “Today, I see people trying to branch out on their spiritual journey and seeking sources outside their Christian upbringing to answer questions within themselves with practices like herbalism and African traditional religion coming more into the mainstream.”

Linda M. Conroy, MSS, MLSP, is an educator, herbalist and community organizer who dedicates her life to connect-

ing with the green world. She is the founder of two annual gatherings: the Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference and the Mycelium Mysteries Women’s Mushroom Conference. She also provides herbal education, workshops and individual consultations through her Wisconsin-based business, Moonwise Herbs.

“Herbalism is a practice where people connect and work with plants for healing and nourishment,” she says. “Plants, herbs and mushrooms have been around long before we have and provide an innate connection to the earth. Everyone has ancestors that grew and foraged for their own food, and we remember that in our being. It’s a different experience from buying a plant or pill from the store shelf.”

Misconceptions about herbalism are common in America, Conroy asserts. “In other countries such as Cuba, Germany and China, conventionally trained physicians still learn about more than 50 herbs in their training, but the United States all but abandoned herbalism after the development of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals,” she explains. “The pandemic has helped spawn a resurgence of interest, with people increasingly disappointed by Western medicine and turning to herbs for respiratory support, stress management and other conditions.”

Conroy stresses that working with herbs is both an art and a science. Learning their unique properties is key. “In order to be truly effective, it’s imperative that people know how to properly choose and use the correct herb for each situation. This includes being mindful of the dosage, method of delivery and sourcing. Herbs are much safer than most things out there, and with the right assessment skills, they can be truly transformative,” she says.

Another recommendation is to establish a wellness routine that incorporates herbs as maintenance to remind the body of their healing value. “Herbs are not drugs but can work in synergy with them. Many common ingredients can be used every day, such as a stinging nettle infusion to nourish the kidneys and lungs, and oats to fortify the nervous system,” Conroy says. “Acquiring our herbs and foods from local sources also strengthens our connection to the plants. Most things we need, such as garlic, cabbage, eggs and raw honey, we can find in our own garden, from neighbors or at a farmers market.”

ENERGY HEALING

Billie Topa Tate’, a member of the Mescalero Apache tribe, is founder of MSI Wellness, in Evanston, Illinois, and author of the upcoming book, Spirit Guide Invocations: Seeking Wisdom from Sacred Helpers Dedicated to creating a sacred space one person at a time through her Indigenous teachings, she is a mentor, teacher and healer. Her work has been shared by several universities and publications.

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Although Indigenous healing practices do not have scientific studies to support their efficacy, they do have the observational and traditional support of her people, Topa Tate’ says. “The Apache learned medicinal properties from the plants and honored the position of being stewards of the land,” she asserts. “We learned from our virtuous elders that plants provide us with medicine and food, as well as spiritual qualities, such as smudging, essential oils and incense, which help to cleanse the body, mind and spirit.”

According to Topa Tate’, a shamanic journey is a visit to the energy world and can lead someone to insightful wisdom regarding their life’s purpose. “The spirit world provides a release of the thoughts that limit us and brings us into a realm where we can be guided by higher thought,” she explains. “Visiting the spirit world with proper guidance allows us to access the worlds of healing, wisdom, angels, the past, the future and even the symbolic energies of our present lives through our mind. Another way to find this release is to understand that words are energy carriers and can provide our mind, body and spirit with a source of enlightenment. We do this through our drumming songs and ceremonies, but also by becoming more aware and harnessing the power of words as medicine in everyday actions.”

Energy work can help us reconnect with that part of ourselves that facilitates healing, says Topa Tate’. “I recommend beginning the day with a five-minute morning ceremony that gives thanks to the creator for a beautiful day and invokes our helpers to offer assistance with particular projects. As a healer, it is important to teach people how

to manage their stress with more productive platforms, such as meditation, nature walks and seeking out their life’s purpose. There is a misconception that only Native people can do this energy work, but we are all one family and can learn how to integrate the natural wellness that the Native people have used for centuries,” she explains.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on the philosophy, experiments and experiences indigenous to Chinese culture. It has been practiced for more than 2,500 years and is used for health maintenance as well as the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental illness. According to Dr. Heming Zhu, NCCAOM, a board-certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, author, educator, scientist and founder of Harmony Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, in Maryland, the basis of TCM lies in the belief that the human body is a holistic system deeply connected to the universe.

“TCM is influenced by the flow of vital energy called qi. To restore the balance of qi and gain the harmony of life’s paired aspects known as yin and yang, TCM practitioners use various techniques, including acupuncture, moxibustion [burning herbs at acupressure points], herbal medicine, massage, qigong and dietary therapy,” Zhu explains.

Zhu says that TCM modalities fit into either a physical therapy or chemical therapy category and can be introduced for regular maintenance. “Acupuncture is commonly used for addressing fatigue, stress, pain, gastrointestinal issues, arthritis and improving overall well-being. Cupping is beneficial for relieving stress and muscle soreness. Tui-na, a form of therapeutic massage, is used for musculoskeletal disorders, digestive issues, pain and more. Gua sha helps manage stress and alleviate muscle tension and pain. Moxibustion can boost energy, improve digestion and address cold-related ailments. Qigong and tai chi are gentle, mind-body exercises that reduce stress and promote relaxation and overall mental well-being. Chemical therapy includes herbal medicine and dietary therapy to emphasize the connection

between food and health,” he says.

TCM can be incorporated into an established wellness routine, and Zhu offers a few guidelines to ensure the best results. “People should seek education on the basic principles of TCM and be intentional not to judge it by Western medicine standards. They should find a licensed and experienced TCM practitioner and keep an open mind in initial consultations. Simple TCM practices, such as mindful breathing, gentle stretching or drinking herbal teas, can be incorporated into a daily wellness routine, and lifestyle changes, such as sleep routines and stress management, are part of the healing process,” Zhu says.

EMOTIONAL HEALING

“There are multiple factors to illness, but often our emotions and trauma, either intergenerational or personal, are at the core,” VanDyke says. “Creating ceremonies based on the old ways gives you the strength to show up for yourself and makes it a little easier to move through the experience. Grief is a multilayer process, and it takes a holistic approach to co-create a path to a new normal. Our emotions are like invisible chains that bind us in a trauma loop, and having support for that is important. Nurturing the spirit is one thing that Western medicine does not talk about. I find that laughter, joy, pleasure and feeding the child-like spirit in us helps with this when life gets heavy. Ask yourself how you prioritize joy, and create your own rituals that center traditions while honoring your true self.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com

HolisticCenter

You should know what is taken out of the ecosystem in order to give you a moment’s sustenance.

—Sylvia Earle

Discovering the World of Martial Arts

A LOOK AT FIVE POPULAR MODALITIES

by Carrie Jackson

Traditional martial arts date back more than 2,000 years and have blossomed into about 200 styles. While originally devised to assist in hunting and protect against enemies, these practices also offer philosophical and spiritual guidance as practitioners establish a mind-body-spirit connection. According to Statista,

a German-based market research company, nearly 6.2 million people in the U.S. participate in some form of this sport.“Martial arts are for everyone, and it’s never too late to start,” says John Fonseca, an Illinois-based trainer specializing in karate, jiu-jitsu and other self-defense modalities. He is the first karate athlete in the world to win repeat gold medals at the Pan American Games, the first American to medal at the Karate World Championships in almost 16 years, and the first American to win the Paris Open in more than 30 years.

According to Fonseca, “Short-term benefits of any martial art include improved fitness, self-confidence and stress relief. While long-term benefits are hard to count, they may include increased discipline, self-defense skills and a sense of personal growth. Remember: Every black belt was just a white belt that never gave up.”

When advising beginners, the champion says, “It’s important to choose a style that suits your goals and fitness level. Each modality offers unique benefits. Find a reputable instructor or school, start gradually to avoid injury and maintain a consistent practice routine for better progress.”

KARATE

With origins in Okinawa, Japan, dating back to the 17th century, the guiding principles of karate include respect, humility, perseverance and self-discipline. “A karate practice starts with kihon, or basic fundamentals, that include a variety of punches, kicks, knee strikes, elbow strikes, blocks and stances,” Fonseca explains. “These techniques are practiced repeatedly to develop muscle memory, accuracy and power. They are further developed in choreographed sequences called kata, which simulate various applications for self-defense situations.”

Practitioners perform these routines solo in a specific order and then practice the bunkai, or applications, with a partner to develop self-defense skills. “Lastly, kumite is the sparring component of karate training to develop timing, distance, adaptability and the ability to receive and deliver strikes. It involves practicing

techniques and strategies against a live, resisting opponent. Depending on the training level and focus, kumite can range from controlled, pre-arranged drills to freestyle sparring with varying levels of contact,” says Fonseca.

CAPOEIRA

A martial art disguised as dance, capoeira is performed to music and traditional songs, including rhythmic clapping and drumming. Players form a circle, at the center of which two participants engage with one another in a combination of fighting and dancing. The art form was created in Brazil by African slaves in the mid-16th century. Although banned by the government after the abolition of slavery in 1888, many people continued to practice in hidden spaces. Modern capoeira was later developed around 1930, with several styles taking on their own characteristics. Emphasizing deception, flexibility and fluidity, participants learn discipline, confidence and self-control, while the use of music and instruments provides a multi-sensory experience.

AIKIDO

Aikido, which means “the way of harmony with the spirit,” originated in 14th-century Japan and was modernized during the 1920s. Although it is mainly a throwing and pinning art, practitioners also utilize strikes, kicks, sweeps and come-alongs.

According to Greg O’Connor, chief instructor at Aikido Centers of New Jersey, “Aikido is the most challenging and most ethical of the martial arts, and the most difficult to achieve any level of black belt rank. Our practice requires working with a partner on the specific attack and technique demonstrated by the instructor. Each partner takes turns in this practice with safety for each other in mind, and we train to handle an aggressor with the full awareness that there are no rules in a self-defense situation.”

O’Connor describes aikido as a magical

skill, because as the participants learn to be patient and persevere, they often discover eye-opening alternatives to violence. It requires full integration of mind, body and spirit, as well as an awareness of how our minds and emotions can work against us, he says.

JIU-JITSU

Jiu-jitsu originated in Japan, evolving over centuries, with Brazilian jiu-jitsu further developing in the early 20th century. Fonseca says that the practice focuses on leverage, technique over strength, control and adaptation. Students will first learn and practice positions, transitions, escapes and submissions, then engage in those techniques with a partner to refine their movements, timing and muscle memory.

“Live sparring, known as rolling, is a crucial aspect of jiu-jitsu training. During rolling, practitioners engage in controlled but dynamic matches with resisting opponents. The goal is to apply learned techniques, gain positional control and attempt submissions,” Fonseca explains. “Rolling helps students develop timing, adaptability and practical application

of techniques; enhances concentration, awareness, self-esteem and focus; and creates a sense of balance and calm.”

TAEKWONDO

The Korean-based practice of taekwondo was developed during the 1940s as a blend of native fighting styles. Students learn kicking, punching and blocking techniques, which are applied to various forms of self-defense. According to the International Taekwondo Association, the philosophy is to build a more peaceful world, and that starts with developing individual character and positive morale. Through repeated practice and exercises, students learn courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and an indomitable spirit. These five tenets are recited at the start and end of every class and become the foundation of both the students’ development as individuals and as martial artists.

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

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The Modern Macrobiotic Diet

MORE THAN TOFU AND SEAWEED

by Veronica Hinke

So much has evolved in the 100 years since Japanese educator George Ohsawa created the macro biotic diet. For one thing, the recipes have become more flexible, empow ering people to save time and use ingredients that they love. “The modern macrobiotic diet is about much more than tofu, seaweed and miso,” says chef and author Christina Pirello, the Emmy Award-winning host of Christina Cooks, on PBS . “It’s about sea sonal, whole, unpro cessed food cooked in ac cordance with each person’s condition and lifestyle.”

“In the beginning, there was ri gidity that didn’t give you the freedom to say, ‘I don’t want to eat adzuki beans again,’” Pirello says. “Variety is key. You can’t just eat kale and drink smoothies and hope for the best. You have to get balanced nutrition with enough protein, fats and carbohydrates.”

According to Pirello, “What we eat determines how we move through the world. Are we comfortable or uncomfortable? In Chinese medicine, we are either in a state of ease or dis-ease, which became the word disease, but in Chinese medicine, it really means uncomfortable. What do you do to get back into that state of ease, or balance? That’s really what macrobiotics is about; how do you rebalance the body—the organs—to be comfortable?”

Eating in accordance with the natural order—with the seasons—is an essential concept of the macrobiotic diet and in-

cludes fall, winter, spring, summer and a fifth season, “late harvest.”

The idea is to follow our intuition, Pirello advises: “If you walk into the supermarket in November, you’re not immediately attracted to cherry tomatoes and strawberries, but the winter squashes, pumpkins and parsnips call your name. Macrobiotics allows us to understand that— even here in the United States where foods are so widely available that you can have strawberries at Christmas.”

Her recipe for Winter Squash Risotto, which is featured in her new cookbook, , is just one example of the delicious macrobiotic dishes she has developed. “This risotto is perfect for cooler weather, when we need to keep energy in our middle organs so we are warm and cozy, centered and balanced,” Pirello says. “Come winter and fall, we want foods that are going to help the body hold onto heat. Squash, pumpkin, turnips and rutabaga are going to help relax the body and the middle organs and help us stay grounded, centered and warm. The risotto is cooked really long, so there’s a lot of warming energy that will help you in cold weather.”

“There has to be a period when the body transitions from the heat of summer into the cool of the fall,” says Chicago area-based macrobiotic counselor Karla Walter. “That’s when we have those beautiful orange foods starting to come out, and the squashes start

arriving. We have this really lovely, sweet time of the year that actually nourishes the body and helps the immune system ramp up and get ready for colder weather.”

Walter recommends the macrobiotic diet for finding calmness and rhythm. “When we eat healthy foods that sustain us, our goals come to the surface where we can see them a lot clearer. People don’t know their potential until they start to feel good about themselves,” she says.

Lisa Books-Williams, a plant-based chef, educator and therapist in the San Francisco area, encourages people to find their own plant-based path. “I found my answer at the end of a fork, instead of in a bottle of

pills,” she says. “The most loving thing I ever did for myself started with changing my food choices. Sure, it would be more delicious to be eating a pizza, but eating a salad with beans and rice is how I love myself.”

Books-Williams believes that taking the extra time that is required to follow a plant-based lifestyle is worthwhile. “We can eat well inexpensively if we are willing to take an extra couple of hours each week to chop vegetables. We are worth the time it takes to batch-cook and freeze beans in single servings so we have them when we need them. Each of us has to be committed to our own well-being. No one is going to do it for us.”

While much has changed since Ohsawa introduced the macrobiotic diet, Pirello still adheres to its three core ingredients. “I still eat rice, seaweed and miso soup,” she says. “Not as much as I used to, but I still do, because miso is the greatest probiotic on the planet, followed by kimchi. Those are the greatest macrobiotics we could ever eat in our lives, and both are delicious.”

Veronica Hinke is a food historian and the author of The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining and Style and Titanic: The Official Cookbook. Learn more at FoodStringer.com

DELICIOUS, EASY, THREE-BEAN CHILI

YIELD: 8 SERVINGS

FOR CHILI

3½ cups fresh tomatoes, diced

1 15-oz can tomato sauce

1 15-oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked pinto beans)

1 15-oz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked kidney beans)

1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked black beans)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

½ small red onion, finely diced

½ small yellow onion, finely diced

1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, finely diced

1 zucchini, finely diced

2 carrots, finely diced

2½ Tbsp chili powder

1¼ tsp cumin

⅛ tsp cayenne powder

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 can diced green chilies (optional)

1 cup fresh or frozen white corn

FOR CASHEW SOUR CREAM

1 cup cashews, soaked for 2 hours

½ cup pure water

Juice of 1 lemon

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Place all of the ingredients, except corn, in a large saucepan over medium heat and cook until the chili begins to boil. Note: For a meatier consistency, before placing them in the pot, place all of the veggies (except corn, tomatoes and green chilies) in a food processor fitted with an “S” blade, and pulse-chop until the ingredients become confetti size, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the corn, cover and simmer an additional 5 minutes.

Serve over brown rice with the cashew sour cream.

To make the cashew sour cream, use a blender to combine all of the ingredients together, pulsing until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste. Seal and store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Recipe courtesy of Lisa Books-Williams.

Photo by Lisa Books-Williams

WINTER SQUASH RISOTTO

YIELD: 4-6 SERVINGS

FOR THE BROTH:

¼ red onion, diced

½ carrot, diced

¼ cup diced winter squash

Splash of white wine or mirin

3 cups spring or filtered water

FOR THE RISOTTO:

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

½ red onion, finely diced

¼ tsp sea salt

Splash of white wine or mirin

BEETROOT AND ORANGE MISO SOUP

YIELD: 4-6 SERVINGS

½ cup carnaroli or Arborio rice

¼ winter squash, unpeeled and finely diced 4-5 sprigs fresh basil, leaves removed, hand-shredded

To make the broth, combine all of the listed ingredients in a large saucepan over low heat and simmer for 30 minutes before making the risotto. This can be done the day before.

For the risotto, place the olive oil in a deep skillet along with the onion over medium heat. When the onion begins to sizzle, add a pinch of salt and cook, stirring until translucent. Add the rice and a generous

splash of wine, and cook, stirring until the wine is absorbed. Add ¼ cup broth and cook, stirring frequently, until the broth is absorbed. Add another ¼ cup of broth and repeat the process. Stir in half of the diced squash and cook, stirring.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, place the remaining squash with enough water to cover halfway. Add a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the squash is soft, about 20 minutes.

Continue adding the remaining broth to the rice—¼ cup at a time—and stirring until the rice is tender, but al dente, about 25 minutes.

Take the remaining squash and use an emulsion blender or a food processor to purée until smooth. Stir the puréed squash into the cooked risotto. Season it lightly with salt and cook over low heat until the squash is absorbed into the rice.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

Recipe courtesy of Christina Pirello.

4 medium beets, washed and with stems trimmed to about 1 inch

2 tsp ginger, finely chopped

2 Tbsp green onions, finely chopped

2 cups water or vegetable stock

1¼ cup orange juice

2 Tbsp raspberry vinegar

1 Tbsp barley (mugi) miso

½ cup chopped chives or green onions

Place the beetroot in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until tender, about 40 minutes. Drain the beets.

Next, run the beets under cold water and peel them. The skin and stalks should fall off easily. Chop the beets into ½-inch cubes.

Reserve ⅓ cup chopped beets and set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the remaining beets, ginger, green onions, water or vegetable stock plus one extra cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in orange juice. Purée soup in small batches in a blender until smooth.

Remove a small portion of the soup into a bowl and dissolve the miso. Add miso back into the soup and stir through. Add the vinegar and stir through.

Garnish with the chives or green onions.

Recipe courtesy of Karla Walter.

Photo by Paul Parisi

Photo by Paul Parisi

LASAGNA WITH TOFU RICOTTA AND VEGGIE BOLOGNESE

YIELD: 6-8 SERVINGS

FOR THE LASAGNA:

¾-1 lb whole wheat or regular lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions

6-8 oz frozen spinach

1 large zucchini, cut into fettucine-shaped noodles with a vegetable peeler

1 eggplant, cut into ¼-inch rounds and salted

FOR THE VEGGIE BOLOGNESE:

5-6 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 medium carrot, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

½ lb fresh mushrooms, finely chopped

1 zucchini, finely chopped

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried basil

¼ tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp salt

½-¾ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 Tbsp olive oil or water

1½ tsp sweetener (coconut or date sugar)

12 oz tomato paste

5 fresh tomatoes, diced

1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes (plain or with basil)

½ cup chopped Kalamata or black olives

2 Tbsp capers, rinsed

¼ cup red wine

FOR THE TOFU RICOTTA:

1 lb medium tofu, drained

¼ cup unsweetened almond or soy milk

1 tsp dried oregano

1 Tbsp dried basil

2 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp nutmeg

2 Tbsp lemon juice

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, chopped

To make the veggie Bolognese, in a large pot over high heat, sauté the garlic, onion, carrot, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, oregano, basil, thyme, pepper, salt and red pepper flakes in the olive oil or water until the onions are tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the sweetener, tomato paste, tomatoes, olives, capers, wine and ¾ cup water. Cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes.

Serve with pasta or use in lasagna.

To make the tofu ricotta, blend all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor until it achieves the consistency of cottage cheese, about 3 to 5 minutes. If mixture is too thick, add a little water.

To salt the eggplant, wash and dry the outside of the eggplant. Line a 9- by 12-inch cookie sheet with 2 layers of paper towels. Cut eggplant into ¼-inch rounds and place each round on the sheet pan. Sprinkle ⅛ teaspoon or less of salt on each round and gently massage it into the eggplant. Let rest for 10 minutes. Use paper towels to remove the water that is being expelled from the salting process. Flip the eggplant and repeat process. For best results, remove the salt and expelled liquid.

For the lasagna, preheat the oven to 350° F. Cover the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch cake pan in a thin layer of sauce, then cover with a layer of the lasagna noodles. Place the salted eggplant rounds on top of the noodles. Place a dollop of tofu ricotta every 1 to 2 inches. Cover with the zucchini noodles, followed by a layer of sauce. Cover with the spinach, followed by a layer of sauce. Finish with a top layer of lasagna noodles, covered with sauce and sprinkled with dollops of the tofu ricotta.

Cover loosely with aluminum foil or a baking lid and bake until it is hot and bubbly, about 45 minutes. Optional: Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to brown the ricotta topping. Remove from oven and set it on the countertop for 20 minutes before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Lisa Books-Williams.

Photo by Lisa Books-Williams

from a seasonal kitchen…

Great Pumpkins

by Veronica Hinke

There is so much more to make with pumpkins than pie. “Pie pumpkins” that are used for baking pies and other sweet treats can double as a terrific savory ingredient for lunch or dinner this time of year. Pumpkin provides vitamins A and C; fiber and potassium. Apples are full of vitamins C and B6; iron, magnesium and calcium.

This Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Honeycrisp Apples and Candied Pecans is full of bright, light textures and flavors, and it is also full of some of the healthiest ingredients of autumn. Make this on a Sunday afternoon for salad for most of the coming week or treat friends to a special fall foods meal gathering. The lightly spiced pecans in this recipe can also be used to top ice cream and other fall treats.

ROASTED PUMPKIN SALAD WITH HONEYCRISP APPLES AND CANDIED PECANS

YIELD: 6 TO 8 SERVINGS

1 small pie pumpkin

2 cups chopped pecans

3 Tbsp butter

¼ cup light brown sugar

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp cardamom

4 large honeycrisp apples

2 large heads oak leaf lettuce

1 bunch frisee lettuce

1 large head romaine lettuce

1 large head butter lettuce

1 small head iceberg lettuce

1 small head raddichio

Specialty tools: V-slicer (mandolin)

Preheat oven to 375° F. Clean the pumpkin and set it in the oven in a small roasting pan until it is cooked all of the way through, about one hour. Be careful not to over-roast the pumpkin so that it continues to hold its shape even after being roasted. Make sure that the pumpkin is soft enough so that a knife will sink easily into the pumpkin all the way through but still firm enough to hold its shape. Remove the pumpkin and set it aside on the countertop until it is cool enough to cut.

When the pumpkin is cool enough to cut, use a knife to cut it into 2-by-2-inch pieces.

In a small roasting pan, gently toss together the pecans, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Place the pecans in the oven until they are lightly browned and toasted, about 15 minutes. Stir the pecans after the first 7 minutes. Remove the pecans from

the oven, and set them aside on the countertop.

Use a V-slicer (a mandolin) to slice the apples, starting on one side and continuing to the other side until the whole apple is cut into thin slices. Discard the stem and core. Use a large cutting knife to cut the apple slices lengthwise to make apple “matchsticks”.

Clean and thinly chop the lettuces into thin, bite-size pieces. In a large salad bowl, toss the lettuces together well.

Place the pumpkin, apple matchsticks and pecans on top of the lettuces.

Pour the Honey-Orange Salad Dressing over the salad, and use salad tongs to toss the dressing into the salad.

HONEY-ORANGE SALAD DRESSING

1 Tbsp honey

4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Juice of one fresh orange

1 shallot, thinly sliced

¼ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp freshly ground peppercorns

Combine all of the ingredients in salad dressing shaker and shake until thoroughly combined.

Veronica Hinke is an author, speaker, journalist, coach and expert on early 20th-century drinking, dining and style. She is the author of The Last Night on the Titanic and Titanic: The Official Cookbook Learn more at VeronicaHinke.com

Photos credit Veronica Hinke

The Healing Arts of Qigong and Tai Chi

WELL-BEING THROUGH INTENTIONAL MOVEMENTS

by Nadia Linda Hole, M.D.

individuals, potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s. A systematic review of 11 studies involving 1,061 seniors with mild cognitive impairment suggested that tai chi training could be effective in improving cognitive function, including memory, learning, mental speed and attention. And, a 10-week study by Brown University researchers reported that cancer patients that practiced qigong displayed clinically significant improvements in fatigue.

ACCELERATING THE HEALING PROCESS

Qigong is more than a modern wellness practice. It’s a 5,000-year-old Chinese healing art steeped in tradition. At its core, qigong revolves around the concept of qi (pronounced “chee”), considered to be the life-force energy that permeates the universe. Like love, qi can act as a potent healing agent, restoring inner peace, balance and harmony. Gong refers to the dedication and effort invested in mastering this skill, a journey marked by patience and repetition. Qigong is a moving, meditative practice aimed at harmonizing internal energies, and it is related to tai chi, which originated as a martial art.

BENEFITS AND SCIENTIFIC VALIDATION

The practice of qigong involves breath work, movement, mindfulness and stretching. It is performed with intention, yet emptiness (wuji), enabling practitioners to cultivate a stronger, deeper mind-body-spirit connection that allows for heightened stillness, clarity, vitality, awareness and sense of self. It has been clinically documented to alleviate stress, enhance energy levels, improve physical fitness and promote cardiopulmonary and immune function.

A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Medicine reported that qigong improved balance and coordination in older adults. In presenting their scientific approach and rationale, the researchers noted, “Qigong is an integral part of both ancient and modern Chinese medical practice and is now a popular mind-body wellness technique in the United States, as well. An estimated 2.9 million U.S. adults practiced either tai chi, qigong or both in 2012.”

In a 2012 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that tai chi could enhance brain size and improve neuropsychological measures in elderly

“Knowing yourself is the real practice,” says David Stokes Hone, a naturopathic doctor, medical qigong master and founder of the Elements of Life Institute. “As practitioners, all we’re doing is reminding people of the divine connection that’s inside of them. Qigong helps clear blockages and move the stuck qi out. Just doing the practices, we allow our bodies to heal through the movement that helps us have the faith to heal. The blocks and addictions melt into the light formed by the exercises.”

According to Hone, the profound transformations achieved through qigong can range from the dramatic, such as restoring sensation in a paraplegic’s legs, to the more subtle, like the emergence of a smile. He recalls the story of a young woman entrenched in addiction who managed to turn her life around after embracing the practice.

Kevin Chen, Ph.D., a qigong master and associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, introduced qigong to his father with chronic back pain as a way to alleviate his suffering and avoid a recommended surgery.

PRINCIPLES OF QIGONG

For beginners, Tai Chi Master Violet Li emphasizes relaxation and mindfulness. “True relaxation is more a state of mind,” she explains. “When we pay attention to our body, the qi will follow.” Troy Bennett, a doctor of acupuncture and qigong master from Newfoundland, Canada, shares eight principles that he learned from Qigong Grandmaster Effie Chow.

MEDITATE. Whenever a problem arises, meditate and wait for the answer to come. If you come to the conclusion that you can’t fix the problem, then it’s not in your hands, so don’t worry about it.

BE LIKE THE WILLOW TREE Learn to be flexible in the body, mind and spirit.

BREATHE . The quality of your breath will determine the quality of your life. Breathe like a newborn baby.

CONNECT Everyone and everything in the universe is connected through qi. Remember the smallest thing you do in life will have an effect on the universe. Always hold the intention of love.

TRAIN FOR SUCCESS . Remember to always help people become the best that they can become.

LEAVE A BLESSING Whenever you meet someone, always give a blessing. Your kindness can have the most powerful effect on someone’s life and transform them in ways you can only dream of.

EXPERIENCE EIGHT HUGS AND THREE BELLY-ACHING LAUGHS DAILY. Don’t take life so seriously. Learn to laugh and enjoy life.

LIVE When Dr. Chow was asked, “What

happens when you die?” she laughed and said, “I cannot answer that question. There is no such thing as death. There is only life.”

Nadia Linda Hole is a medical doctor, qigong master and pioneer in bridging Oriental, Western and energy medicine with Hawaiian-style qigong. She served as a consulting editor for the book Chinese Medical Qigong and contributing author in medical textbooks on complementary medicine.

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Sophie Haruna Klimcak

ON FINDING AWE AND WONDER

by Sandra Yeyati

S ophie Haruna Klimcak is the co-founder and program director of Wild Awake, a nonprofit in San Francisco. Drawing from her Japanese and Eastern European roots, she designs immersive, nature-based learning experiences that nurture deep caring for people and the planet. Klimcak holds a master’s degree in education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education and bachelor ’ s degrees in philosophy, neuroscience and psychology from Washington University, in St. Louis.

Whether in an after-school setting with children or an outdoor adventure among adults, she and her team of naturalists, artists and healing practitioners invite people to mindfully gaze at the stars, invigorate the senses with ocean sound-baths, experience healing and community in a song circle, build empathy and connection through storytelling, and express creativity by painting with botanical pigments.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WILD AWAKE?

In the summer of 2020, my co-founder Shasha Du and I took a weeklong trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Every night we experienced this feeling of awe and wonder and reverence as we stared up at this stunning night-sky portal of infinite space and blazing stars. On the last night, we brought binoculars and stayed up to see the comet NEOWISE. At 4 a.m., it appeared on the horizon—this icy rock moving toward the sun and releasing all these gases behind it in a glorious paintbrush streak—and we literally screamed and held each other because we had never seen anything like that before. As educators, we decided that we wanted to keep those feelings alive in

our hearts, and design for awe and wonder in learning.

You don’t have to travel to places like Joshua Tree or see a comet to experience wonder and awe. With the right amount of mindfulness and attention, everything is worthy of such appreciation—our backyards, our houses, everything. Feeling a sense of wonder requires us to take time to appreciate the textures of something in its entirety and realize where it might have been sourced from and how it’s supporting us and we’re supporting it—remembering that we’re interconnected. We offer local experiences to help people see that magic exists where they live.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE LEARNING PROCESS?

Learning is super-creative, constructive, collaborative and social. The best kind of learning is when you’re following a thread of your own intuition and asking questions

that are joyful for you. They’re not questions someone told you to ask. You’re building your own worlds by a process of inquiry. I think wakefulness comes from bringing that attention to whatever it is that you want to go deeper into.

HOW DO YOU HELP PEOPLE AWAKEN TO THAT LEARNING SPIRIT?

One of our most experiential offerings was a wildflower therapy workshop, which brought people in community to see the superblooms in the Bay Area. To make this a wonder-based experience, I created this little booklet for a mindfulness walk, inviting folks to choose one flower to develop a relationship with over the course of an hour and a half.

The booklet had multisensory prompts to deepen that relationship, and I asked them to record a conversation with their flower. When do people stare at a flower that long, right? But it does wonders, helping you move a little bit slower in the world.

The next time they walk by flowers, they’ll notice them in a different way because they took intentional time to develop a relationship to local flora and to their own joy and wonder. Little steps like these can be radical in developing a love for what we may lose if we don’t protect and care for this world.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PROGRAMS?

Living in San Francisco with the bay surrounding us, we are always in a relationship with the ocean. It cools the planet, making it livable for us; it’s an amazing place to play

photo courtesy of Wild Awake

and enjoy water sports; and it nourishes us through seafood. So, we designed a program that takes folks out to forage for seaweed.

It’s not about filling our buckets with as much seaweed as possible, but rather bringing mindfulness to the experience. We marvel at the diversity of seaweed; you can see dozens of different kinds along our shoreline. People are curious about what makes seaweed a certain color or how it nourishes us. We learn how to harvest seaweed from rock in a way that it can regenerate and grow more seaweed. We make an offering to the ocean, saying, “Thank you,” remembering our mutual reciprocity.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE THAT WANT TO CONNECT WITH NATURE?

One of the most accessible ways of connecting to nature is by connecting to your own body. Putting one hand on your belly and one hand on your heart and noticing your breath can really help you drop into that space of deep calm and deep knowing. If you can, find your local dark sky and go out to see the stars. Look at the moon. Notice the way planets and stars move through the sky. Or, notice a leaf or a flower and be in a relationship with it by noticing it over time, returning to it and seeing how it has changed and how you’re changing inside, too.

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Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

SUPPORTING PETS WITH ANCIENT HEALING WISDOM

by Kiki Powers

For years, we have seen a growing appreciation in contemporary culture for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the complementary role it can play within Western medicine. Based upon thousands of years of observation, this natural healing approach can be valuable not just for humans, but also for animal companions.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) includes the use of food therapy, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and tui-na massage to maintain health and treat disease. Some pets with chronic arthritic pain, inflammatory bowel disease, nerve damage, epilepsy, cancer and other long-term ailments may not respond well to

conventional treatments, or the side effects of Western medicine may cause even more problems. That is when TCVM can intercede to provide relief.There are a few basic principles governing TCVM. Qi is the life force that flows freely when a pet is healthy and may be blocked or weak when a pet becomes ill. Yin-and-yang refers to the interplay between natural dualities—such as light and dark or hot and cold—and the need to maintain a balance between these opposing properties. There are five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal and water—which also need to be in balance for optimal health. During an examination, a TCM vet will determine what is out of balance and develop a customized treatment plan.

FOOD THERAPY

Dr. Ruth Roberts, an integrative veterinarian and pet health coach, applies TCM principles when designing a whole-foods diet to optimize pet well-being and support healthy longevity. “Under TCM principles, foods have warming, cooling or neutral properties when they interact with a pet’s natural energy, and the goal is to find a balance,” she explains. “Many pet ailments may stem from or be related to imbalances within the body, as well as environmental factors, all of which underscore the need for the proper nutritional balance.”

According to Roberts, in a hot climate, a pet might need cooling foods, such as turkey, fish, banana, celery, kelp, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber and melon. In colder temperatures, warming foods such as mutton, deer, chicken, ginger, squash and pumpkin are advisable. When designing a balancing diet, neutral foods may be needed, including pork, bison, salmon, tuna, carrots, green beans, peas, olive oil and shiitake mushrooms.

ACUPUNCTURE

Veterinary acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular to relieve pain or treat ailments, including allergies, seizures, reproductive problems and liver and kidney disease. The procedure involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body, thereby stimulating nerve endings, which then conduct impulses to the brain and spinal cord. It is best to consult an experienced, licensed

acupuncturist or TCVM specialist that specifically treats pets.

In a 2017 study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal, researchers found, “Acupuncture alone or in combination with analgesics reduced pain and improved quality of life in dogs with neurological and musculoskeletal diseases. Dogs with musculoskeletal disorders had a better improvement in chronic pain and locomotion than those with neurological disorders.”

CHINESE HERBS

TCVM uses a number of herbs, roots, mushrooms, bark and other plant-based ingredients to help pets with immune dysfunction, gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, liver and kidney disease and other long-term, chronic conditions. When it comes to more serious pet health issues, such as osteosarcoma (bone cancer), Roberts suggests the strategic use of full-spectrum hemp extract (CBD), cannabis oil (THC) and medicinal mushrooms. Dosages will differ for each individual pet. It is best to consult an integrative veterinarian or pet nutritionist.

“In several documented cases, a combination of homeopathy, TCM, medicinal mushrooms and CBD-THC solutions working together synergistically with a healing diet have helped dogs outlive their bone cancer diagnosis without harmful side effects, stressful procedures or complicated vet visits, all at a dramatically reduced cost,” Roberts says. “As they say, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ especially where our beloved animal family members are concerned.”

TUI-NA MASSAGE

Also under the TCVM umbrella, tui-na massage uses kneading, pressing and rolling techniques to improve a pet’s health and balance. Among the conditions that respond well to this type of massage are arthritis, muscle tension and soreness, stress and anxiety, joint paint and mobility issues. The technique focuses on stimulating acupuncture points and energy pathways, or meridians, that promote the smooth flow of qi throughout the body. This treatment can be used in conjunction with complementary therapies to enhance results.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

“I strongly believe Traditional Chinese Medicine is good medicine. Western medicine is great medicine. However, the best medicine is an integration of both because each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses,” says Dr. Huisheng Xie, DVM, Ph.D., a clinical professor of integrative medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, in Gainesville.

According to Xie, TCVM is weak in diagnosis because it does not have sophisticated diagnostic technology. Western medicine’s weakness is the large amount of side effects associated with conventional drugs. “That’s why the best medicine is to integrate both to avoid the weaknesses and take advantage of the strengths of each,” he says.

Kiki Powers is a health writer, blogger and national speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition and healthy green living. Learn more at RawKiki.com

PROS REVEAL

Favorite Leaf-Peeping Spots

IN THE CHICAGO AREA

by Sheryl DeVore

Dave Griffith noticed some trees in northern Illinois going into early dormancy at the beginning of this year’s growing season, and that did not bode well for brilliant autumn colors. But ample moisture later in the season has Griffith, an Illinois Department of Natural Resources district forester, believing this could be another great year to enjoy changing hues in leaves of trees and shrubs in the region.

“You want good moisture right before the fall season,” says Griffith, who works in the northeastern counties. “Ideally, to get optimal fall color, you need a combination of warm sunny days and cold nights, but not freezing temperatures.”

Every autumn is different regarding the timing and the brilliance of colors, but what is constant is the fact that the leaves on trees and shrubs like oaks and maples cannot tolerate cold, so they go into dormancy when the amount of daylight begins to diminish.

“When fall comes, trees begin taking the nutrients out of the leaves and sending them down to the roots, where they are stored there like batteries to help with leaf out in spring,” Griffith explains.

Leaves are green in spring and summer because they contain chlorophyll, which contains a green pigment. Other color pigments such as yellow, orange and brown are masked by the chlorophyll, which interacts with sunlight to create food for trees. When chlorophyll disappears in fall, leaves take on the masked colors. In addition, another color pigment, which is reddish and is called anthocyanin, develops in the leaves in fall.

“If you want the flashiest fall colors, it’s all about sugar maples,” says Greg Spyreas,

associate research scientist in botany for the Illinois Natural History Survey. Sugar maple leaf colors range from deep golden yellow to bright cherry red in autumn.

“Most of our Chicago region forest preserves have sugar maples,” he says, but the best places to view many colorful maples is in the Cook County preserves along the North Branch of the Chicago River and the Des Plaines River that goes way up north. These areas have some of the highest densities of sugar maples in the region.”

Spyreas’ favorite way to see sparkling sugar maple color in autumn is to find a scenic overlook. One good vantage point is from an apartment or other building along Lake Michigan that has a great view of Chicago’s Lincoln Park or take a walk through the park and into the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is free, to explore fall colors.

Photo by Alice Brandon/Forest Preserve of Cook County

Sand Ridge Nature Preserve in autumn.

Other local spots to take in the fall colors:

Nature boardwalk at Lincoln Park, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago

Millennium Park and Lurie Garden, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago

Maple Grove Forest Preserve, Downers Grove

Night-Heron Trail at Fullersburg Woods

Forest Preserve, 3609 Spring Rd, Oakbrook

Wright Woods, 24830 St. Mary’s Road, Mettawa

“One of my favorite spots for fall colors in the Chicago area is a hidden gem called Black Partridge Woods,” Spyreas says (fpdcc.com/places/locations/black-partridge-woods). “The overlook from the trail is incredible in fall.” The 80-acre forest preserve features bluffs overlooking the Des Plaines River with spring-fed streams and forested ravines. “You also can get a sugar maple canopy view from nearby Paw Paw Woods (fpdcc.com/ places/locations/paw-paw-woods-nature-preserve).”

Griffith also mentions Coral Woods, near the McHenry County town of Marengo, for brilliant sugar maple color. “In fall when you walk through Coral Woods, it’s like bright orange lights have been turned on where the sugar maples are,” he says. “It’s like you’re wearing orange sunglasses.” He says although some maples have been removed from some forest preserves and natural areas to allow oaks to regenerate and get some sun, there’s no worry that there won’t be enough sugar maples to gawk at in the Chicago region in fall.

One of Griffith’s favorite places for fall colors is at Chain O’Lakes State Park, in Lake and McHenry counties. “There are lots of oaks, hickories and sumacs,” he says. The hickories turn a bright yellow. Red oak leaves change to dark red. White oak leaves are often light brown and sumacs turn blood red. “It’s a really cool combination of colors,” Griffith relates.

Moraine Hills State Park (dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.morainehills.html) is another place to enjoy fall colors, he says, adding that oak woodland restoration done by the state has opened up the canopy and allowed the oaks to shine in fall. “At Volo Bog (dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.volobog.html), the fall color is spectacular,” he notes. “There’s a lot of sumac there and the tamaracks turn goldish brown.”

Spyreas says some of Chicago’s older cemeteries, such as Graceland (GracelandCemetery.org), are peaceful and lovely and can put on a show in fall. “These cemeteries are diverse with trees, so you get lots of different colors,” Spyreas says. “In good years, you can see flaming orange and red in the maples.”

“The gnarled oaks at Illinois Beach State Park look especially timeless in fall, and a great place to see incredibly bright yellow color of sassafras, one of our uncommon trees, is at Sand Ridge Nature Preserve,” he adds. (fpdcc.com/places/locations/sand-ridge-nature-center) Visitors also can wander the stands of black oaks and Hill’s oaks, which turn brown and red in autumn.

“I also really love how some prairies can look in the fall with hues of gold, orange and blue,” Spyreas says. “Sand Ridge Nature Preserve is one of our best ancient prairies, and it is vibrant in most autumns.”

A little farther afield, “The dunes in Indiana and Michigan really, really explode with color in the fall,” Spyreas says. “It’s some of the prettiest land in the Midwest.”

Sheryl DeVore has written six books on science, health and nature, as well as nature, health and environment stories for national and regional publications. Read more at SherylDeVore.Wordpress.com.

Photo by Steven D. Bailey

Sugar maple revealing flaming orange leaves in fall in Lake County.

Photo by Sheryl DeVore Autumn fall color portrait.

CHICAGO’S CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

National Bullying Prevention Month

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

World Vegetarian Day

Cupping Part Two: Silicone Moving Cups – 10am-5pm. Silicone Moving Cups are a versatile and natural extension of the therapist’s hands. This class will review silicone moving cup methods and protocols for soft tissue dysfunction of the neck, shoulder, hip and scars. 6 CEs. $150. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Meet a Beekeeper – 12:30-2:30pm. Meet local beekeeper Mike Rusnak to discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot. Free. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. ReconnectWithNature.org

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2

Int’l Day of Non-Violence

Big Fall Book Sale – Oct 2-7. The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County annual fundraiser. Tens of thousands of gently used books will be for sale at bargain prices. Algonquin Township Road District Building B, 3702 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake. 815338-0393. mcdef.org.

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Prairie Glen, 2700 Patriot Blvd, Ste 250, Glenview. 224-6003216. NWMedicalScreening.com

“Fall Asleep, Stay Asleep” Health Chat –6-7pm. Join Jessica for a discussion on the importance of a good night’s rest and some tips to help improve your sleep. Attendees receive a coupon toward a future purchase. Fruitful Yield, 155 N Randall Rd, Batavia. FruitfulYield.com

Literacy Gardens – 6:30-8:30pm. Darien Garden Club general meeting. Presenter: Cindy Crosby. Discover how gardens and garden imagery figure in the works of great writers like Mary Oliver, Henry Mitchell, Barbara Kingsolver and Lewis Carroll. Free. St John Lutheran Church, 7214 S Cass Ave, Darien. Register: Tinyurl.com/52uybebx

Reiki Workshop for People and Pets –7-9pm. Mary Walters, founder of EnergyGirl, LLC, will present a hybrid animal reiki workshop. Includes a 30-min reiki experience for pets and people. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. EnergyGirl2020.com

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3

Malcolm Smith, Spiritual Healer – Oct 3-5. 9am-5pm. Smith considers himself an ordinary person with an extraordinary gift, the ability to be a channel for healing energy from God. In addition to in-person sessions, there are a limited number of remote sessions available if you are unable to get to the Edgar Cayce Holistic Center. $100/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Card Reading – 1-4pm. With Robert. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Free Community Meditation – 7-8pm. Doors close at 7:05pm. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

World Animal Day Reiki – 1-4pm. With Rose. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Green Drinks McHenry County – 5-7pm. 1st Wed. In-person & Zoom. Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake. GreenDrinks.org/IL/Crystal%20Lake

Group Guided Meditation – 7-8pm. Theme: The Metal Element, the Element of Autumn. $10. The Peaceful Healing Place, 1700 E Algonquin Rd, Ste 218, Algonquin. 847-877-4230. PeacefulHealingPlace.com

Crystal Layout, Angel Cards, Akashic Records – 7-9pm. With Janel. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-7493922. ShopSacredGround.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5

Energy Efficiency Day

Reflexology – 12-4pm. With Cheryl. 30min session opens the energy in the body through the feet: $40. 50-min includes arms, hands and head: $70. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Birds of Central and South America –6:30-8pm. Delight in the vast diversity of Central and South American birds and learn how to support conservation efforts that benefit birds at home and abroad in this “armchair birding” class. $24. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6

Renew and Restore Yoga and Meditation – 7-8:15pm. Experience the benefits of restorative yoga and guided meditation. $20. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

World Habitat Day

Craniosacral Therapy: Cranial Bones and Sutures – Oct 7-8. 9am-4pm. This 2-day course builds on the foundational training of the Craniosacral Balancing Level 1 course. Learn to move deeper within this work and experience working specifically with the rhythms of the cranial and facial bones among other aspects of the body. Prerequisite: Essentials of Craniosacral Therapy. 12 CEs. $300. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Shaman/Medium – 11am-1pm. With Melissa. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

What Does Your Face Say About You?

– 3-6pm. Using the ancient Chinese Five-Element analysis in the Chinese medicine system, David Birr will evaluate the strength and influence of the five elements (fire, water, Earth, wood and metal) on your basic character, unconscious defenses and destiny. Your facial features have specific meanings which show the presence of the five elements. $40/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

SAVE THE DATE

Balance for Life Florida Retreats – Oct 8-14 and Oct 15-21. Balance for Life Retreat has partnered with the world-class Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort, allowing you to experience a true juice cleanse, Slash detox or water fast, or a plant-based, whole foods all-inclusive smart vacation. Guests enjoy plant-based cuisine, fun fitness classes, education, and time for pampering and exploring. Doctor Frank Sabatino, will give live health and wellness talks every day. Stay 2 weeks and enjoy 1 night free. Plus bring a friend for 50% off. Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort, 2096 NE 2nd St, Deerfield Beach. BalanceForLifeFlorida.com

SAVE THE DATE

Green Team Summit: Rooted Together – Oct 8-11. Across multiple sessions, engage with faith and indigenous leaders from across the Midwest to lead practices and reflections from their traditions. In addition to the virtual component, regional watch parties will be hosted in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. Keynote speaker, Leah Thomas. GreenTeamSummit.org

Reiki – 11am-2pm. With Rose. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Practitioners’ Fair: Spirit of Wellness, Intuition & Healing – 1:30-4:30pm. Boost your evolutionary path with mini-sessions from a variety of expert practitioners. Free admission. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. InfinityFoundation.org

Empowering the Empath – 2-4pm. With Janel. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9

Indigenous People’s Day

Sports Massage – 9am-6pm. This course serves to focus on the pathology, assessment, treatment and self-care of the body and all the major joints and muscles that attach to those joints. Will focus on agonist as well as antagonistic muscles that create movement in the human body. 8 CEs. $200. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10

World Mental Health Day

Card Reading – 1-4pm. With Robert. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Green Drinks Libertyville – 6pm. 2nd Tues. Cafe Pomigliano, 13860 Rockland Rd, Green Oaks. More info: Facebook.com/greendrinkslibertyville

Free Community Meditation – 7-8pm. Doors close at 7:05pm. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11

Nat’l Coming Out Day

Reiki – 1-4pm. With Rose. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Crystal Layout, Angel Cards, Akashic Records – 7-9pm. With Janel. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12

National Farmers Day

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Orrington Plaza, 1603 Orrington Ave, Ste 600, Evanston. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com

Integrative Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner Certification Training – Oct 12-15. 9am-8pm. Receive handson training, demonstrations, tools, techniques, and an action plan to put into practice as a certified practitioner following the sessions. $294. Save $50 with code NATURAL. Westin O’Hare, 6100 N River Rd Rosemont. 800-800-6463. Register: nlp.com/nlp-training-chicago-illinois

Reflexology – 12-4pm. With Cheryl. 30min session opens the energy in the body through the feet: $40. 50-min includes arms, hands and head: $70. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

ONLINE: Heart Healing – 1-4pm. Through a guided group hypnotherapy based meditation, we begin to restore the sense of self-worth that is your birthright. Healing at the heart level is different than simply understanding with your conscious mind. It’s deeper. It’s powerful, beautiful, transformational work that liberates you to be, and love, the you that you are. 3 CEs. $75. Zoom. Zen Shiatsu Chicago: 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Healing Circle – 6-7pm. All welcome. Opens with a heart resonance meditation followed by reading each intention aloud while others practice focused silence. Closes with a restorative exercise to release, regenerate and renew. Free. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

ONLINE: Sandhill Cranes on Migration –78pm. Sandhill crane migration will soon to be in full swing. This program will highlight the cranes’ fall migration, how and where to spot them and their history in our area. Free. Zoom. Register: ReconnectWithNature.org

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13

Beginning Zen Shiatsu: 2 Weekend Intensive – Oct 13-15; Oct 20-22. 7-10pm, Fri; 9:30-4:30pm, Sat/Sun. Learn how to give a basic 1-hr shiatsu treatment that you can share with friends and family. Course is a stand-alone offering and is also the first 30 hrs of our complete shiatsu certification programs. $500 plus textbook. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Numerology – 1-4pm. With Phillip. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Renew and Restore Yoga and Meditation –7-8:15pm. Experience the benefits of restorative yoga and guided meditation. $20. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

New Moon – Jyothowehah – Moon of Return of Little Cold

SAVE THE DATE

Trinity Health Freedom Expo Weekend –Oct 14-15. 9am-6pm, Sat; 9am-5pm, Sun. Offers resources to help navigate changes in health care and learn new ways to improve physical and mental health. Health experts, innovative natural products and services from more than 75 exhibitors. $25/advance, $30/at door; $5 discount for Military, Seniors, Trinity School Students and Alumni, Healthcare Workers, and First Responders. Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr, Tinley Park. Register: 888-658-3976 or TrinityHealthFreedomExpo.com.

Navigating Lucid Dreams and Astral Dimensions – 9:30am-4:30pm. Bestselling author, Von Braschler, CMT, shares wisdom about dream recall and analysis from his book, Lucid Dreams. Learn to use post-hypnotic suggestion and meditation techniques to enter and exit the dream state at will. In-person and Zoom. 5.5 CEUs available. $85, $75/10 days advance. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. InfinityFoundation.org

Pumpkin Fun Run – 10am-12pm. Take in the sights and sounds of fall as you cruise through beautiful Hadley Valley. After the run, choose the perfect pumpkin to take home. Fall activities at the finish line. Strollers welcome. Free. Hadley Valley, 18304 Gougar Rd, Joliet. Registration required by Oct 11: 815-727-8700. ReconnectWithNature.org

“Immune Health 2.0” Health Chat – 11am. Are you dealing with a cold, seasonal reaction or respiratory concerns? Could the gut lining be a factor? Let’s chat. Attendees receive a coupon good towards a future purchase. Fruitful Yield, 1512 N Naper Blvd, Naperville. 630-536-8265. FruitfulYield.com

Holistic Fair – 12-6pm. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Rivers of Color: Fall Hike – 1-3pm. Hike through the beautiful autumn leaves and learn about the chemistry behind the changing colors. Hike will be up to 3 miles long on natural terrain across steep, uneven surfaces. Free. Hammel Woods, Rte 59 Access, Shorewood. Registration required by Oct 13: 815-722-9470. ReconnectWithNature.org

Little Witches Moon Gardening Club –1-3:30pm. A monthly live class hosted on my suburban homestead where the kids come to learn and play. Club members will learn how to garden with the moon cycles. We’ll create seed trays together and plan gardens together within different monthly sessions. $50. Cultivating Guts, 1011 W Wildwood Dr, Prospect Heights. 773-234-6636. CultivatingGuts.com.

ONLINE: Chicago IANDS – 2pm. Support/ study/resource forum for near-death, outof-body and spiritual experiences, losses. Guest Speaker: Susan Wisehart, Sa Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, Past-Life Regressionist. Studied with Brian Weiss and Michael Newton. Author of Soul Visioning. She will be updating Michael Newton’s research. Become a free subscriber to Chicago IANDS by filling in the form online. $20 tax-deductible donation requested (see website). For more info: 847-251-5758 or ChicagoIANDS.org

ONLINE: Life Between Lives – 2-4pm. Susan Wisehart will discuss Dr. Michael Newton’s regression hypnosis research that mapped the spirit world based on over 7,000 people who remembered the afterlife before incarnating again. An explanation of the different aspects of the between-lives state will be provided, including primary and secondary Soul groups, spirit guides, council of elders pre-birth planning and Soul lessons. $20 tax-deductible donation requested (see website). ChicagoIANDS. org. Schedule an appt: 847-438-7878 or SusanWisehart.com

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 to better ground yourself. $40. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Shamanic Journey Class: Exploring the Mystical Realms – 7-8:30pm. Learn the fundamental techniques of shamanic journeying, including how to enter a trance-like state, navigate the spirit realms, and establish meaningful connections with your personal spirit allies and power animals. Facilitated by Bonnie Ricica and hosted by Ninetta Keenan. $50. The Peaceful Healing Place, 1700 E Algonquin Rd, Ste 218, Algonquin. Reservations required: 847-877-4230. PeacefulHealingPlace.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15

Navaratri begins (Hinduism)

Hawaiian Elemental Healing Reiki – 1-3pm. With Barb. In Hawaiian Elemental Healing Treatments the qualities of Fire, Water, Air and Earth are directed to specific areas of the body. In the process, the elements support areas that are strong and build up the energies that are weaker to create harmonious function of your mind, body and spirit. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Free Community Drumming Circle – 3-5pm. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16

World Food Day

“Fall Asleep, Stay Asleep” Health Chat –6-7pm. Join Jessica for a discussion on the importance of a good night’s rest and some tips to help improve your sleep. Attendees receive a coupon toward a future purchase. Fruitful Yield, 168 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg. FruitfulYield.com

Climate Conversations: Native Perspectives on Climate Resilience – 7pm. Learn about the impacts of climate change and Indigenous pathways to resilience in this panel discussion with leaders from the regional Native community. $24 ($10 need-based and no-cost options available). The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17

Birth of Baha’U’Llah (Bahai’i)

Card Reading – 1-4pm. With Robert. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Community Acupuncture Project: Walk-In Clinic – 1-6pm. With Dr. Kimberly M Davis. Experience low-cost community-style acupuncture in a small group setting. $45; $40 with Medicaid, Medicare, Student or VA ID. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine at the Ruah Center, 1110 N Washington St, Naperville. 708-738-1200. Kimberlymdavislac.com

“Immune Health 2.0” Health Chat –5:45pm. Are you dealing with a cold, seasonal reaction or respiratory concerns? Could the gut lining be a factor? Let’s chat. Attendees receive a coupon good towards a future purchase. Fruitful Yield, 2378 Essington Rd, Joliet. 630-536-8265. FruitfulYield.com

Free Community Meditation – 7-8pm. Doors close at 7:05pm. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Reflexology Can Help You – 7-9pm. The first 5 registrants will receive a 10-min session. $5 donation suggested. Anne’s Haven, 5629 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago. 773-979-5351. To register: JasminJahal@hotmail.com Bloom2Wellness.com ProReflexologySchool.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18

Reiki – 1-4pm. With Rose. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Book Club + Tea Event – 5:30-7pm. Living Resistance, by Kaitlin Curtice. Curtice shows that we can learn to practice embodied ways of belonging and connection to ourselves and one another through everyday practices. Readers will be empowered to seek wholeness in their spheres of influence. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

Crystal Layout, Angel Cards, Akashic Records – 7-9pm. With Janel. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Main Street Promenade, 50 S Main St, Ste 200, Naperville. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com

Reflexology – 2-6pm. With Cheryl. 30-min session opens the energy in the body through the feet: $40. 50-min includes arms, hands and head: $70. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Acupuncture & Reiki Stress-Reduction Hour – 5-6:30pm. 3rd Thur. Curious about acupuncture and/or reiki? We invite you to join us for this informational and experiential event. Discover for yourself the deep relaxation that is possible with these modalities. $10 suggested donation. Calandra Center for Health and Wellness, 830 E Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg. 312-796-3965. CalandraAcupuncture.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20

Fall Foliage Walking Tour – 1-3pm. Also Oct 28. Enjoy a seasonal stroll at The Morton Arboretum and take in the changing colors of the trees on this walk guided by an Arboretum ecologist. $32. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org

EFT Circle – 7-8:30pm. With Joanne. Open the doors to abundance and success by joining our EFT circle. $20. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

Akashic Records Advanced Practitioner Series – Oct 21 & 28. 9am-3pm. With Christina Cross. Prerequisite: Accessing the Akashic Records Beginning Class. Deepen your spiritual awareness and develop skills to facilitate your personal transformation. Increase the potency of the readings you offer to others. $175. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Power of Tapping Unseen Energies – 9am4:30pm. Bestselling author Sandra Anne Taylor will teach about the unseen energetic world of universal abundance and spirit assistance. Discover the amazing abundance and unlimited possibilities which are available through intuitive alignment and spiritual assistance. In-person and Zoom. 6 CEUs available. $95, $85/10 days advance. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. InfinityFoundation.org

SAVE THE DATE

Body Mind Spirit Expo – Oct 21-22. 10am-7pm, Sat; 10am-6pm, Sun. Immerse yourself in the holistic community with our incredible 100+ performers and vendors. $15. Midwest Conference Center, 401 W Lake St, Chicago. BMSE.net

Rivers of Color: Golden Opportunity: Hike and Craft – 12:30-2:30pm. The traveling exhibit, Golden Opportunity: Botanical Illustrations, from Denver Botanic Gardens has arrived. Hike along the trails enjoying the colors of the season and the science of the color yellow. Using inspiration from the outdoors and the impressive exhibit, create own mixed-media masterpiece. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Registration required by Oct 20: 815-722-9470. ReconnectWithNature.org

Crystals, Angels and Intuition 101 –2-4:30pm. With Jill Kempner. $48. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Healing Anxiety & Worry – 2-5pm. Meditation is a powerful scientific method to dissolve away anxiety and worry, and to develop a calm, positive and strong mind. Buddhist monk Gen Zamling will provide practical instruction and guide meditations you can practice anytime. All welcome. $30. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Oak Park, 13 Harrison St, Oak Park. 708-763-0132. MeditateInChicago.org

Arts in the Dark Parade – 6-8pm. A family-friendly happening featuring unique floats, spectacle puppets and all forms of creative performance. This magical evening procession celebrates Halloween as the “artists’ holiday.” Gather along historic State St, from Lake to Van Buren sts, Chicago. ArtsInTheDark.com

Tarot – 6-10pm. With Andre. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Kirtan – 6:30-8:30pm. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

Reiki Attunement – 11am-1pm. With Mary. Space limited. $125. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

2 M isconceptions about

Bladder Pain and Urinary Tract Infections ( UTI s )

If you suffer from bladder pain or reoccurring UTIs, you’re probably doing all the things to avoid the next painful onset: drinking enough water, and consuming cranberry juice or cranberry extract. Bladder discomfort can happen when bacteria enters the urinary system by way of the urethra. Most commonly, this bacteria comes from the bowel. But could something else be causing the issue?

Misconception 1 : Bladder irritation is always a UTI . People experiencing bladder urgency or pain may think that they have a UTI. However, bladder irritation often occurs when the body is taking in food that cannot be digested properly.

Misconception 2 : Taking antibiotics will rid the pain or discomfort. Looking at the issue scientifically, this is what we know: Cultivating a healthy gut balance through proper nutrition can get to the source of what is causing the irritation, and may be a helpful therapy for reoccurring or chronic issues.

Get Expert Help.

If you experience bladder irritation, you can identify what’s really going on and establish an effective therapy plan. I take a science-based approach to understanding your unique digestive needs. Developing a healthy gut balance by identifying food irritants and optimizing digestion can have a big impact on reducing chronic symptoms and boosting overall health and vitality.

The Tummy Whisperer is here for you. Call today for a free 15-minute consultation.

Let’s get you feeling better.

Holy Fire Reiki and Karuna Reiki – 2-5pm. Holy Fire Reiki is both powerful and gentle, providing purification, healing, empowerment and guidance. This reiki energy comes from a higher level of consciousness than any energy encountered before and is more effective. Karuna Reiki, also known as Reiki of Compassion, assists us in awakening universal compassion and the wisdom in one’s soul. It carries the purpose of ending suffering of others and supports compassionate actions toward self and others. With Rose Passarella. $40/30-min session. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Reflexology For Face, Feet, Hands –2-5pm. Anna Para, licensed reflexologist, provides this popular hands-on therapy by massaging pressure points for the face, feet, hands. $40/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am-5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Orland Park Executive Tower, 15255 S 94th Ave, 5th Fl, Orland Park. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24

International Day of Climate Action United Nation’s Day

Card Reading – 1-4pm. With Robert. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Free Community Meditation: Chair Yoga and Guided Meditation – 7-8pm. Doors close at 7:05pm. With Cheryl. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25

Astrology – 12:30-4:30pm. With Lin. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Reiki – 1-4pm. With Rose. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Crystal Layout, Angel Cards, Akashic Records – 7-9pm. With Janel. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Woodfield Preserve, 10 N Martingale Rd, Ste 400, Schaumburg. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com

Reflexology – 2-6pm. With Cheryl. 30-min session opens the energy in the body through the feet: $40. 50-min includes arms, hands and head: $70. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27

Full Moon Tarot – 6-10pm. With Andre. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Full Moon Guided Hike – 6:30-8pm. Walk the trails under the light of a full moon during this guided hike. Learn about night ecology, hear stories of moon lore and enjoy the magic of nature at night. $24. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org

Renew and Restore Yoga and Meditation – 7-8:15pm. Experience the benefits of restorative yoga and guided meditation. $20. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

Full Moon – Hunter’s Moon, Falling Leaves Moon

Sustainability Day

Museum Campus Exploration Day – 10am4pm. Explore all the buildings at Isle a la Cache Museum and learn about the French fur traders and Potawatomi who once called this area home. Drop-in for self-guided exploration. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. ReconnectWithNature.org

Shaman/Medium – 11am-1pm. With Melissa. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Fall Foliage Walking Tour – 1-3pm. See Oct 20 listing. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org

Let Go of Your Past – 2-5pm. During this silent retreat, practice meditations on subtle impermanence to shed the weight of the past, find peace, and move on with our life with wisdom and joy. Suitable for both beginners and practitioners. Includes practical instruction and guided meditation. $30. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Wicker Park, 2010 W Pierce Ave, Chicago. 708-763-0132. MeditateInChicago.org

Shamanic Drumming – 7-8:30pm. With Andre. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

Reiki – 11am-2pm. With Rose. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Crystal Ball Gazing – 2-4pm. And other methods to increase your intuition. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31

Halloween

Samhain (Wiccan)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4

16th Annual Green Living Expo – 10am3pm. Who should attend: community members interested in doing business with local eco-friendly professionals; individuals who wish to educate themselves about topics like local food options, eco-friendly businesses, and shopping, energy savings, sustainable principles for daily life; people who are looking for new ways to incorporate sustainable principles into their lives. Free. McHenry County College, 8900 US-14, Crystal Lake. 815-479-7765. McHenry.edu/greenexpo

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Holistic Health Fair – 10am-5pm. Explore holistic health and metaphysical topics, local vendors, speakers and energy workers with a wide range of products and services. $10/online, $12/day of, free/16 & under. Hilton Chicago/Northbrook, 2855 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook. 262-515-1472. HolisticHealthFair.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10

5th Annual Lightscape – Nov 10-Jan 7. The unique after-dark, illuminated trail will dazzle with new installations from around the world and beloved classics, transforming new parts of the Garden, including Evening Island, into festive landscapes of light, color, and sound. Attendees will discover incredible new works like the Electric Ribbon Tunnel and revisit favorites like the Winter Cathedral. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe. ChicagoBotanic.org/lightscape

Check Online:

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

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.

DAILY

Harvest Hustle Virtual 5K – Oct 1-31. Choose one of 11 Forest Preserve trails to run your own 5K race. Download a running application to your smartphone that will track your run, run the 3.1 miles, take a screenshot of your route and submit it online. Free. More info: ReconnectWithNature.org

Woods Walk Challenge – Thru Nov 30. Experience 10 of Will County’s best trails during their fall splendor. Trails range from 1.04 miles to 5.99 miles in length, and each trail offers its own unique experience. The deadline to submit a completed travel log is Dec 31. Free. More info: ReconnectWithNature.org

SUNDAY

Glenwood Sunday Market – Thru Oct 29. 9am-2pm. Glenwood Ave between Morse & Lunt Aves, Rogers Park. GlenwoodSundayMarket.org

Farmers Market+ at the Dole – Thru Oct 29. No market: Jun 25 & Jul 2. 10am-2pm. Front lawn of Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Rd, Crystal Lake. TheDole.org

Free Aura Reading – 12:30-1:30pm. Also Sat. Learn more about your chakra energy system and manifest your dreams. Body & Brain, 860 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville. RSVP: 847-362-2724. BodyNBrain.com/Libertyville

MONDAY

Meditation at Solstice Sanctuary – 6:307:30pm. 4th Mon. With Sarah Karnes, certified life changes coach for 25 yrs. Dress for the barn and warmly. Come early to make a cup of tea. Love offerings to Solstice Sanctuary. Solstice Sanctuary, 29211 41st St, Salem, WI. SolsticeSanctuary.org

TUESDAY

Cultivating Guts Podcast: New Episode Release – 9am. Tiffany Hinton’s podcast where we discuss gardening, homesteading, gut health, following our intuition, herbalism and functional medicine to create a life of joy and beauty. Listen on Spotify, YouTube and iTunes. Free. Tinyurl.com/CultivatingG

Tummy Whisperer Podcast – 1:30pm. With Renee Barasch. Listeners can hear her speak live on Apple, Spotify and Facebook, or listen to the podcast at any time. Episode 1, “The Importance of Gut Health: Exploring the World of Digestive Wellness,” is available for 24/7 streaming. For more info: 847-207-2034 or DigestiveHealthSolutions.com

WEDNESDAY

45th Season of the Ravinia Farmers Market – Thru Oct 25. 7am-1pm. Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave, Highland Park. RaviniaFarmersMarket.com

Meridian Stretching – 10-11am. Develop strength, flexibility, breathing and energy. You may notice that our yoga classes offer a variety of exercises and poses, helping to keep your practice fun and dynamic while consistently covering the basics. In-person & online. Body & Brain, 860 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville. 847-362-2724. Libertyville@BodyNBrain.com BodyNBrain.com/Libertyville

THURSDAY

Community Healing Circle – 6pm. All welcome. Opens with a heart resonance meditation followed by reading each intention aloud while others practice focused silence. Closes with a restorative exercise to release, regenerate and renew. Free. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

FRIDAY

St. Charles Indoor Farmers Market – 9am12pm. Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave, St. Charles. BakerMemorialChurch.org

SATURDAY

Deerfield Farmers Market – Thru Oct 14. 7am-12:30pm. Park Ave between Jewett Park Dr and Hazel Ave. Deerfield. il.us/301/Farmers-Market

Green City Market – 7am-1pm. Lincoln Park, 1817 N Clark St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org

Woodstock Farmers Market – Thru Oct. 8am-1pm. Historic Woodstock Square, Woodstock. WoodstockFarmersMarket.org

Plant Chicago Farmers Markets – Thru Nov 4. 11am-3pm. Large market 3rd Sat, at David Square Park; Mini-market every Sat in front of the Firehouse. Plant Chicago, 4459 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago. Details: PlantChicago.org

Free Aura Reading – 12:30-1:30pm. See Sun listing. Body & Brain, 860 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville. RSVP: 847-362-2724. BodyNBrain.com/Libertyville

Autumn… the year’s last, loveliest smile.

—William Cullen Bryant

Natural Awakenings Chicago Classifieds can help you find a Renter for your space or Employees for your Business.

CLASSIFIEDS

AKASHIC CONSULTATION

AKASHIC RECORD READING – Open the record of your soul’s journey to find information to support you in your life right now, heal your past and help you into your future. Heal. Grow. Investigate. Find direction. Lin Ewing: 847-609-0034. AstrologicalDetails.com

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

FOR RENT

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

HELP WANTED

INTEGRATIVE TEAM OF PRACTITIONERS – Looking for individual contractors interested in renting a beautiful office, while working together. Focus on mind, body, soul connection. Email: JRutkowski@HealingAndIntegration.com

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

PETS

HERBS FOR DOGS – Herbs and vitamins could help your dogs live a healthier and happier life. Learn more: HolisticHerbsForDogs.com

SERVICES

MODERN TAROT – Readings available one-on-one, couples, party groups and businesses. Meditation and tarot private sessions available. English and Spanish by Blanca. 872-305-1207.

CHICAGO

As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.

—Vincent Van Gogh

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine

CALANDRA CENTER FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS

Teri Calandra, MSTOM, Dipl Acu, LAc, LMT, RMT

830 E. Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg 312-515-9492

Facebook @CalandraAcuChi

CalandraAcupuncture.com

We believe that when someone has the tools to help themselves that the possibilities are endless. Offering acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal medicine, NAET allergy elimination, reiki, Access Consciousness, and a variety of wellness educational classes. Teri specializes in gynecological disorders, infertility, menopausal syndrome, musculoskeletal dysfunctions, allergies, respiratory disorders, digestive disorders, thyroid disorders.

NIRVANA ACUPUNCTURE AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

LANA MOSHKOVICH, LAC, ND, MSOM

707 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 125, 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, fertility 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 NirvanaNaturopathics.com. Get a healthier and alternative approach to your chronic health conditions.

Bodywork

MAGIC HANDS THERAPEUTIC BODYWORK

Deb Lawrence

Wheaton and Bartlett 630-202-3641

MagicHandsBirth.com

Helping adults, children and babies to release pain and tightness and find comfort through the Craniosacral Fascia Therapy/Gillespie Approach. Deb Lawrence, LMT, offers effective, light touch therapy by identifying the tightness and assisting it to safely release, including tight, fussy babies with nursing challenges as well as children and adults with tightness and pain.

THE PEACEFUL HEALING PLACE/ INNER ESSENCE SHIATSU

1700 E Algonquin Rd, Ste 218, Algonquin 60102 847-877-4230

PeacefulHealingPlace.com

We offer shiatsu, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, group guided meditations (first Wednesday of every month), and individual and your private group guided meditations. Or, if you need time to chill during your lunch hour or any time, we invite you to visit, sip tea, listen to soft, soothing music and chill.

ZEN SHIATSU CHICAGO

825 Chicago Ave, Evanston 60202 847-864-1130

ZenShiatsuChicago.org

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.

Bookstores

THE GREEN READ

61 N Williams St, Crystal Lake 60014 779-220-4945

THE GREEN SPOT

110 S Johnson St, Woodstock 60098 815-527-7122

TheGreenReadBookstore@gmail.com mcdef.org/bookstores

The Green Read and The Green Spot bookstores are committed to providing high-quality, gently used books to our communities. The Green Read also carries new, hand-crafted and sustainable puzzles, gifts and stationery products. The bookstores are run by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. All purchases support their environmental projects.

Community Hub

AWAKE: ONENESS TRIBE

Suburban Chicagoland

AwakeOnenessTribe.org

A nonprofit hub where seekers in the local community can come together, be heard, be seen, and be valued. AWAKE is a place where people can communicate freely, without fear of judgment, and participate in events to improve all aspects of health: physical, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual. AWAKE acknowledges the value of being part of an open-minded community of people who are eager to learn and grow together.

Crystal and Rock Stores

GEMZ AND BOARDZ

3101 W Montrose Ave, Chicago 60618 872-218-0307 • GemzAndBoardz.com

Retail and online 90s-themed crystal and skateboard shop with an amazing selection of rocks and crystals, handmade jewelry, local products, boards and more at great prices.

We’re also an internet café for work and relaxing with coffee and tea available. Check out our events, pop-ups, game nights and facility party rental options.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Peggy@NAChicago.com to request our media kit.

If I were a bird, I would fly about the Earth seeking the successive autumns.

—George Eliot

Digestive Health Specialist

RENEÉ S. BARASCH, LDHS

Telehealth and In-Office

847-207-2034

DigestiveHealthSolutions.com

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 47.

Education

MIDWEST COLLEGE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE

Racine, WI and Skokie, IL 800-593-2320

MWC2010@aol.com • Acupuncture.edu

Start your path to a more rewarding career as an acupuncturist! Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (TCM) combined with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. License available in 46 states. Call today to learn more. See ad page 11.

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.

Frequency Wave Healing

ENERGY LIGHT CENTER

490 W Lake St, Unit 4, Roselle 60172 630-754-9565

EnergyLightCenter.com

Come submerse yourself in our 24-unit EESystem. Rejuvenate and recharge your body on a cellular level. Our center features comfortable recliners so members can fully relax during their sessions, and leave feeling energized and charged. Give us a call to get more information and hear all of the benefits members are reporting. See ad on page 5.

ENERGY ZONE VERNON HILLS

224-370-6380

Linda@EnergyZoneVH.com

EnergyZoneVH.com

We welcome you to try our Energy Enhancement System in Vernon Hills; first session half-price. The technology (and our comfortable space) provide the perfect environment to relax and let your cells go to work to do the “house-cleaning” that is needed most for your body and mind. See ad on page 5.

PATH TO WELLNESS CENTER

847-636-0485

PathToWellnessCenter@proton.me

PathToWellnessEnergy.com

PTWC features a 12-unit Energy Enhancement System. We are open 7 days a week. Ask about our special pricing for your first Bio-Scalar energy session. In addition to the Bio-Scalar Energy sessions, we offer Tai Chi Gung and meditation classes. Come check our center out. See ad on page 5.

SOLFLO LIFE

1834 W North Ave, Fl 2, Chicago 60622

Call/Text: 773-383-6237

SolFloLife.com

Experience SolFlo Life’s unique social wellness lounge with rejuvenating experiences that include our Energy Room, Mind Spa, Plantbased Learning Kitchen and more. Attend exclusive events, classes and retreats, and enjoy a complimentary energy room session as a first-time visitor. Join our tribe and evolve your well-being. See ad on page 5.

TOTALLY YOU HEALING

331-444-2709

TotallyUHealing@gmail.com

TotallyUHealing.com

We feature the Energy Enhancement System that generates multiple bio-active life enhancing energy fields, including “scalar waves” which can allow cell regeneration, improve immune functions, provide relief from pain, detoxify the body, elevate moods, and assist in balancing right and left hemispheres of the brain to increase energy levels. See website for more info and make an appointment for your entire family. See ad on page 5.

Functional Medicine

DR. ALLA ARUTCHEVA, MD, PHD, ND

Antalee Wellness

1352 Patriot Blvd, Glenview 60026

847-486-1130 • AntaleeHolistic.com

If you are seeking integrative and natural approach to your wholebody health, Dr. Arutcheva will use her extensive knowledge, training and experience to work with you to create a personalized plan to prevent and overcome illness based on her strategy of health screening tests, stateof-the-art technology and the best natural supplements. These methods accelerate your ways to optimum health and prevent the development of serious chronic diseases.

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 2.

Holistic & Airway Dentistry

THE CENTER FOR DENTAL HEALING

Dr. Alla Aver, DDS & Dr. Irina Ganzman, DMD

2400 Ravine Way, Ste 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.

INTEGRATIVE DENTAL HEALTH

(formerly Bennardo Defining Smiles)

87 S McLean Blvd, South Elgin 60177

847-737-9109

ArtisticSmileDoctor.com

Offering the highest quality holistic dental care possible for total body health. From bio-compatible materials, to eliminating disease in the mouth and improving sleep quality, you can expect more than just a dental office. As Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (S.M.A.R.T.) certified providers, we use the strictest protocols to protect you from the neurotoxic effects of mercury fillings. See ad on page 35.

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.

JOEL SANDERS, DDS & SIMONA BAREKET, DDS

489 Laurel Ave, Highland Park 60035 847-432-6501

JoelSandersDDS.com

We are a holistic dental team focused on whole person wellness rather than just your teeth. Dr. Sanders and Dr. Simona work with empathy, care and a gentle touch. Services include cleanings and comprehensive exams, material biocompatibility testing, safe amalgam removal, ozone therapy, BPAfree restorations, non-metal crowns and implants, and more.

WRIGLEYVILLE DENTAL

Dr. Bernice Teplitsky, DDS, PC 3256 N Ashland, Chicago 60657

773-975-6666

WrigleyvilleDental.com

Chicago’s premier biological holistic dentists. Offering the latest technology, we provide ozone, lasers, same-day-crowns and BPA/fluoride-free nontoxic products. Several dentists on staff with unique specialties provide safe amalgam removal, PRF facials, orthodontics, TMJ, sleep/airway, children’s dentistry and countless other treatments. One home for all your dental needs. Free garage parking.

Holistic Health Practitioner

BIO-ENERGY CENTER

Kankakee Natural Foods

BioEnergy Center

815-933-6236

KankakeeNaturalFoods.com

Our BioEnergy Center brings together stateof-the-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.

Hypnosis-Hypnotherapy

BRUCE G. SKEDD, MS, CI, CHT, CT.NLP, CM.NLP, CHLC NGH Certified Instructor

Vm/text: 630-778-0899

Hypnocat10@gmail.com

Wishing you a Better Year filled with Continued Success. Bad habits don’t happen overnight and unsupported willpower often is unsuccessful. If you’ve decided it’s time for a Successful change in your weight, sleep or fitness Hypnosis may be your Easy and Natural path to Success this year. CALL Bruce now at 630-778-0899.

Integrative Medicine

BROOKFIELD HEALTH & WELLNESS, LLC

150 S Sunnyslope Rd, Ste 148, Brookfield, WI 262-395-4023

BrookfieldHealthAndWellness.com

Our passion is helping patients maximize their health, allowing you to live life to the absolute fullest. We approach each patient as an individual by assessing the body with state-of-the art, bio-energetic technology to identify underlying root cause issues. See ad on page 37.

THE EISENSTEIN CLINIC

Jennifer Eisenstein, APN, DNP 415 W Golf Rd, Ste 2, Arlington Hts, 60005 847-329-2020

EisensteinClinic.com

We are a nurse practitioner-owned and -operated clinic, offering comprehensive family care for everyone from newborns to adults. We share our passion for health care, overall wellness and parental rights in guiding their children’s care, using natural alternatives when possible. Clinic director Jen is double-board certified as a family nurse practitioner and a doctor of nursing practice. Most insurance accepted.

Integrative Psychotherapy

ELLEN KATZ, MS, LMFT

Clinical Director, Inner Balance

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

Lifelong Learning & Personal Growth

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 27.

INFINITY FOUNDATION

1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park 60035 847-831-8828 • InfinityFoundation.org

Many courses now live in-person, hybrid or on Zoom, some are recorded to watch later. CEUs available. Navigating Lucid Dreams and Astral Dimensions with Von Bracshler, October 14, live in-person, Zoom, hybrid. Energetic Power Connections with Sandy Taylor, October 21, live in-person, Zoom, hybrid. Call for free course guide.

Meditation Center

KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTER CHICAGO

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

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.

Nutraceutical and Supplements

FUFLUNS’ FOODS

Perry Galanopoulos, Owner

Info@FuFlunsFoods.com | FuFlunsFoods.com

FuFluns’ is a Chicago-based, family-owned, provider of mushroom and botanical supplements. We utilize pre-industrial, astrologically influenced, farming and extraction practices, which are better for both people and planet. Offered online and by discerning healthcare practitioners. See ad on page 35.

Reflexology

JASMIN REFLEXOLOGY

773-979-5351

JJahal@hotmail.com

BloomN2Wellness.com

Reflexology is a wellness protocol that stimulates the nervous system by applying precise, alternating pressure to the feet or hands. It helps your body relieve stress, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, balance hormones, and reduce chronic pain. Jasmin is nationally certified and a recognized educator. Call for a free consultation.

Reiki and Energy Medicine

ENERGYGIRL, LLC

708-703-0110

EnergyGirl2020@gmail.com

EnergyGirl2020.com

Healing for you and your pets. Mary Walters, RN, EEM-CP, started her business to help people and animals become the best versions of themselves. She uses reiki, frequency healing and energy medicine techniques to help her clients find optimal harmony and balance. Classes are also available.

JOANN LYSIAK, ENERGY SPECIALIST

Joann Lysiak Gems

847-596-0274

Joann@JoannLysiakGems.com

JoannLysiakGems.com

Visit the online store for high vibration gemstones and handcrafted jewelry with intention. Benefit from the gemstone energy properties to attract love, abundance or protect your energy from EMFs. Let me intuitively find the perfect gemstones for your needs or fine tune your energy to thrive.

LEYA (LILIYA) ORIT

Remote Healing Practitioner

314-568-4848 • LeyaOrit@gmail.com

Emotion and Body Code

Practitioner with a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Allied Health. With more than 20 years’ experience in health and wellness fields, Liliya’s combined knowledge of the human body with a variety of energy healing techniques creates an optimal physical, mental and spiritual state to help you heal most effectively from conditions including anxiety, headaches, low energy, gastrointestinal concerns and sleep issues.

Skeletal Strengthening

OSTEOSTRONG

126 Skokie Rd, Wilmette 60091

224-408-2369

195 W Golf Rd, Schaumburg, 60195

224-487-8881

OsteoStrong.me

OsteoStrong is an Integrative Health and Wellness Center with a focus on musculoskeletal strengthening. The 4-device circuit takes only minutes once per week to complete. Under the direction of a skilled technician, users engage in a safe, controlled, movement that results in a stimulus to the central nervous system triggering osteogenesis or new bone growth. See ad on page 17.

Thermography, Thermometry & Ultrasound

NORTHWEST MEDICAL SCREENING

(formerly known as Northwest Medical Thermography)

Locations across Chicago area 224-600-3216

Facebook: @northwesthealingcenter NWMedicalScreening.com

Erica Cody is a certified thermographer and works with a team of technicians and doctors together focusing on women and men’s health. Our scans help to indicate issues throughout the body, including head, breast, abdominal and pelvis. Women’s Health Check half-body scans can also detect dysfunction and provide indications for further investigation. Multiple locations: see website for schedule and to make an appointment. See ad on page 23.

ECO-LIVING

If a metal does this to your skin... Imagine what it will do implanted inside of your body?

COMING IN NOVEMBER

www.zenshiatsu.edu

818 Lake Street, Evanston, IL

Financial aid available for those who qualify

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

Earn your massage license while studying holistic therapy!

BEGINNING ZEN SHIATSU

1-Week Session

Dec. 11-15, Mon-Fri 10am-5pm

5-Week Session

Jan. 9 - Feb. 7, Tues & Wed 1:30-4:30pm

10-Week Sessions

Jan. 9 - Mar. 12, Tues 10am - 1pm

Jan. 10 - Mar. 13, Wed 7-10pm

zenshiatsu.edu/ce/beginning_zen_shiatsu/

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