October 2025 Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine

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CHICAGO EDITION

Publisher Peggy Malecki

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Peggy Malecki

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Marlaina Donato

Carrie Jackson

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© 2025 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled and fully recyclable newsprint with black soy ink.

Awarm day in early fall seems to hum with its own soundtrack—a constant background tune that drifts in when you open a window, step into your yard or take a walk. It weaves into the natural tapestry of the season, joining rustling leaves, the calls of migrating birds, the buzz of bees on asters and goldenrods, and the shifting sounds of the autumn wind.

That steady, high-pitched background “hiss” comes mainly from grasshoppers and crickets, their trill speeding up and slowing with temperature changes. Annual dog-day cicadas still dominate warm afternoons with their rising and falling droning sounds. After dusk, katydids may layer in their “ch-ch-ch” calls while crickets fill in the rhythm, their mix changing as you move through a yard, park, neighborhood, forest preserve, lakefront trail or stretch of countryside. You’ll hear the chorus well into October if temps stay above about 60 degrees, gradually fading away with cooler and drier conditions.

Like smell, sound is one of our brain’s strongest memory triggers, tying us to seasons, times of day and familiar places. Research shows natural sounds like crickets and cicadas may spark memory more quickly than visual cues while also boosting calm and mental restoration. It’s easy to tune out that constant hum, but it’s more than background noise—it’s a natural soundscape that grounds us in time and place while quietly supporting our sense of well-being. And just as these sounds shape memory and mood, they remind us how closely everyday experience is connected to brain health.

This month’s theme, Brain Gain, looks at how daily choices can help the brain adapt, heal and grow. In “Activating Neuroplasticity,” Hannah Tytus explores the science of neuroplasticity and shows us that the brain is never static. Maya Whitman’s “Feeding Our Brain Power” highlights the MIND Diet, a blend of Mediterranean and DASH approaches, proving that caring for cognitive health can be both practical and delicious.

We also share “Strong at Any Age,” where Jordan Peschek shows how resistance training supports women through perimenopause and menopause. Beyond building strength, it boosts balance, bone health and confidence—reminding us that vitality doesn’t fade with age, it evolves.

In this month’s Natural Chicago section, Sheryl DeVore takes a look at our busy local squirrel populations for National Squirrel Month, and M.D. Skeet (“Skeet”) shares why October is the perfect time to fertilize backyard trees. Bob Benenson reminds us that farmers markets are still overflowing with fall favorites as well as late season tomatoes and peppers. And Janie Maxwell of the Illinois Farmers Market Association brings the harvest to our table with a simple, delicious recipe for roasted Brussels sprouts.

This October issue marks 15 years of publishing Natural Awakenings Chicago. On behalf of our entire NA Chicago team, I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude to you, our readers, advertisers and community partners, for being an active part of this journey and for the support that makes this magazine possible. It’s a joy to help grow and nurture this community together.

As always, I encourage you to step outside each day and notice what early autumn has to offer. Watch the full moon rise, catch sight of water birds moving along the lakefront or press a beautiful red or golden leaf between the pages of a book. Plant those native perennials still waiting patiently in their pots on the patio, gather the last veggies and herbs from your garden or simply take in how the light shifts as the season turns.

Wishing you a magical and inspiring October!

Peggy Malecki

Photo by Peggy Malecki

Cover image by SNEHIT PHOTO for Adobe Stock

Advertising & Submissions

18 Non-invasive, Proactive Health Care With Illinois Thermography

20 Repair Cafés in Northern Illinois

22 Fall Fertilization Sets Trees Up for Spring Success

24 Squirrel Appreciation Month

28 Activating Neuroplasticity

32 Feeding Our Brain Power

36 Provisions for the Brain

38 Strong at Any Age

42 Rewiring the Stress Response

44 Sustainable Halloween Costumes

45 The Art of Letting Go

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

Editorial Submissions

Email articles, news items and ideas to: Amy@NAChicago.com Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

Calendar Submissions

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

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Migraine Relief

Celebrate Natural Living at Crunchy Culture Fest

The inaugural Crunchy Culture Fest, a holistic wellness festival and pop-up market, will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 4 at Honey House, in Vernon Hills. The event is co-hosted by Crunchy Culture, a Chicagoland community for naturally minded individuals, and Honey House, a local honey shop and event space.

The festival will feature local vendors specializing in natural and organic food, holistic health, kids’ wellness and more. Festivalgoers can browse natural products, connect with holistic wellness providers, enjoy live music and attend a variety of workshops. Healthy coffee and lunch options will also be available for purchase.

“I launched Crunchy Culture with a mission to connect naturally minded folks in Chicagoland and help them discover local resources that align with their interests,” says founder Jane Ulitskaya. “The Crunchy Culture Fest will bring people together from around the Chicago area in a celebration of nature, health and community. Honey House is the ideal venue for this event; the owner is a local beekeeper, honey maker and personal trainer who personifies holistic wellness.”

Location: 91 S. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. For more information, email Jane@CrunchyCulture.com or visit CrunchyCulture.com/crunchycultureevents/fest

See ad in the Community Resource Guide.

“ Your gut health has a direct effect on how you feel.” says Reneé Barasch of Digestive Health Solutions. “Understand the struggles of your own microbiome, and create a plan to restore balance and feel better.”

Reneé’s practice is now offering BiomeFx Microbiome Testing ; a powerful tool to help reveal what’s going on in your gut. This DNA test identifies helpful and harmful microbes, and provides insights to improve digestion, energy, and support overall well-being.

Gut Health Resolved.

Let your own DNA point the way to your best health . This BiomeFx Testing Kit pinpoints imbalances linked to bloating, acid reflux, constipation, fatigue, anxiety, skin concerns, and more. This results in personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance –big steps toward lasting health. Reneé offers phone consultations that make expert support easy to achieve.

ig e s t ive

Celebrate Witches Night Out at Ash & Willow

Ash & Willow Eco Salons will host Witches Night Out—a free community gathering featuring reiki, tarot, massage, aura readings, shopping, bites and elixirs—at 6 p.m. on October 17 at its Park Ridge location. The salons, with locations in Park Ridge and Barrington, are known for eco-conscious beauty and wellness services, along with events that bring the community together.

The Park Ridge salon offers hair, nail and skin care treatments using plant-based products, while the Barrington location specializes in personalized, holistic hair services. The Park Ridge location also recently opened The Nest at Ash & Willow, a healing space designed to expand well-being and consciousness. Services there include reiki, massage, meditation, yoga and more, with weekly Yoga Nidra With Sound Healing on Sundays at 6 p.m. and tarot readings on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m.

Enrichment classes at The Nest range from Facial Yoga to Kokedama Making and Floral Meditations. Ash & Willow emphasizes a wellness-centered environment that nurtures both body and spirit.

Locations: 610 Devon Ave., Park Ridge; 104 S. Cook St., Barrington. For more information, visit AshWillowSalon.com. See ad on page 11 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Tap Into the Gut-Brain Connection at

Free Northbrook Event

Health Clarified, a holistic wellness center in Northbrook, invites the community to a free event from 5 to 7 p.m. on October 28 to learn how gut health influences brain function. Reneé Barasch, a certified digestive health specialist and founder of Digestive Health Solutions, will discuss strategies for supporting digestion and overall wellness.

Attendees can explore the relationship between gut health and brain function, and experience tools offered at the clinic, including a neural stress check, the inHarmony Zero G chair and BrainTap headsets. Repeated BrainTap sessions are recommended to help support optimal brain performance.

The first 50 people to preregister for the event will receive a complimentary copy of Self Health: Reverse Chronic Disease, Restore Your Vitality and Transform Your Life—One Choice at a Time by Dr. Fabrizio Mancini.

Dr. Kim Henderson is the founder of Health Clarified, located at 2165A Shermer Rd., in Northbrook. For more information, to schedule an appointment or to register, visit HealthClarifiedNow.com See ads on pages 9, 19 and 41, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Step Into a Winter Wonderland of Light at The Morton Arboretum

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum will return for its 13th year from November 15 through January 3, 2026, transforming the Lisle grounds into a oneof-a-kind holiday spectacle. The outdoor, interactive experience will feature 19 dazzling light displays along a one-mile Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible trail, including larger-than-life Vivid Creatures sculptures by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz.

Festivities kick off with Illumibrew, a preview and beer-tasting event for 21 and older attendees on November 14. New offerings this year include Electric Illumination, an adults-only experience with a live DJ on December 5, 12 and 19, and Dog Admission Nights on December 3, 10 and 17. Since its debut, Illumination has welcomed more than 2 million visitors of all ages.

Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. October 1 for Morton Arboretum members and at 9 a.m. October 15 for the public. ComEd, one of the event’s sponsors, will provide a limited number of $5 discounts on nonmember tickets with code 2025COMEDLIGHTS while they last. New this year, free ticket exchanges are available up until the original reservation time.

Location: 4100 Illinois Rte. 53, Lisle. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit MortonArb.org.

Photo credit

Healthy Gut Happy Mind

Join Dr. Kim Henderson of Health Clarified, and Certified Digestive Health Specialist Reneé Barasch of Digestive Health Solutions, to explore how gut health supports energy, focus and overall wellness.  The gut and brain rely on each other for proper function – when neither is in balance, good health is hard to achieve.

Learn simple strategies to improve digestion and support mental clarity.

FREE Event Details & Highlights:

• Learn how gut health influences brain performance, mood and stress levels

• Presentation by Reneé Barasch, founder of Digestive Health Solutions

• In-clinic experiences with Dr. Kim Henderson and the Health Clarified team:

u Neural Stress Check

u inHarmony Zero G Chair

u BrainTap Headsets

• Raffle to win brain- and gut-health prizes

October 28 • 5-7 p.m.

Receive a Special Gift

The first 50 people to preregister will receive a free copy of Self Health by Dr. Fabrizio Mancini.

Dr. Kim Henderson

Reneé Barasch

Enrollment Now Open for Zen Shiatsu Chicago’s 2026 Diploma Program

Zen Shiatsu Chicago, in Evanston, is now accepting registration for its once-per-year, full-time Shiatsu Massage Therapy Diploma program, from January 13 through November 5, 2026. Classes meet from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and the program combines the curriculum required for a massage therapy license with the holistic East Asian medical model taught to acupuncturists. Candidates are encouraged to apply by October 31, as all seats typically fill up by November 15.

The program teaches students to use touch therapy for pain and stress relief, relaxation, internal organ support and emotional wellness. Graduates are qualified to provide holistic lifestyle guidance, gaining a deep understanding of the mind/body connection. Full-time students benefit from cohort immersion, and special payment plans, scholarships and work-study options are available.

Location: 818 Lake St., Evanston (two blocks from both the CTA Purple Line and Metra North Line). For more information or to register, visit ZenShiatsu.edu See ad on back cover, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Train for a Career in Reflexology

Jasmin Reflexology, Chicagoland’s premier school of professional reflexology, is enrolling now for its 300-hour certification program, which begins in January 2026 and runs through May. The school, founded by nationally certified practitioner Jasmin Jahal, is one of only five in the nation recognized by the National Council for Reflexology Education.

Jahal is a nationally certified educator and a reflexologist with a private practice in Norridge. She also works with the Lutheran General Hospital Cancer Survivorship Center, in Park Ridge.

The course is designed for working practitioners and adults seeking to expand their practices or start new careers, offering a mix of weekday and weekend online sessions along with in-person instruction at the Cancer Survivorship Center. Led by Jahal, coursework includes lessons, independent study, and documented clinical and hands-on sessions.

Students that successfully complete the program will earn a state-recognized certification and be prepared to take the American Reflexology Certification Board national exam, a requirement for becoming a national board-certified reflexology practitioner.

For more information or to register, call 773-979-5351 or visit JasminReflexology.com See ad on page 31, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

CARE Dog Solutions Opens to Address Canine Sensitivities

Christine Johnson, a professional dog trainer with more than 25 years of experience, has launched CARE Dog Solutions, based in St. Charles, to help families throughout Chicagoland identify food and environmental sensitivities that affect their pets’ health and behavior.

The company’s signature service, the CARE Food & Environment Sensitivity Test, screens for more than 750 potential triggers—including food ingredients, environmental factors, heavy metals and nutritional imbalances—using a simple at-home hair sample. Results are delivered by email, and families can opt to receive a custom meal plan tailored to their dog’s needs.

Johnson was inspired to create the service after years of seeing how food and environmental sensitivities affected not only dogs’ behavior and mood, but also digestion, skin and energy. “So many families were stuck in a cycle of itching, digestive upset and endless vet visits—without clear solutions,” she explains. “With CARE Dog Solutions, pet parents no longer have to guess. They gain the answers they need to remove triggers, restore balance and give their dogs healthier, happier lives.”

For more information or to order the service, visit CareDogSolutions.com See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Photo credit

Zen Shiatsu

Photo credit Jasmin Jahal

Zen Shiatsu Chicago practitioner and client

Jasmin Jahal

Witches Night Out

Saturday, November 1 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE Repairs

McHenry County College, Crystal Lake, IL

Connect with local experts who specialize in repairing and reusing everyday items. By extending the lifespans of our possessions, we can reduce waste and minimize environmental impact!

Experts will be available onsite to help repair:

• Lamps and Light Fixtures

• Small Household Appliances (toasters, blenders, etc.)

• Clothing Repair (no tailoring)

• Bicycle Repair

• Small Engine Repair (lawnmowers, etc.)

Explore the Green Living Expo and shop while your items are fixed for FREE at the Repair Fair!

Questions?

Contact the MCC Sustainability Center at sustainability@mchenry.edu or (815) 479-7765.

No electronics, computers, computer screens, or cell phones. Projects must be able to be fixed in under an hour.

Limit three items per person. Walk-ins only—first come, first served.

Malaika Health And Care: Elevating Home Care in Chicagoland

Malaika Health And Care, based in Homer Glen, is redefining the standard of in-home support for families across Cook, DuPage, Will and surrounding counties. Founded by Malak Hasan, MBA, a healthcare professional with more than a decade of experience and advanced training in healthcare management from Concordia University Chicago, Malaika combines clinical insight with compassion.

The agency provides comprehensive care tailored to each family’s needs, including assistance with daily living, companionship, dementia and Alzheimer’s support, postpartum and childcare help, and end-of-life care. Malaika offers support for every stage of life, serving seniors, veterans, new mothers and children through personal care, companion care, disability support and veteran assistance. What distinguishes Malaika is its holistic approach: every plan is built around dignity, cultural sensitivity and a commitment to treating clients as family—not just patients.

Malaika offers free consultations and customized plans through Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs and private pay, with dedicated teams serving the greater Chicago suburbs.

“Malaika’s mission is clear: to deliver professional, reliable and heart-centered care at home— empowering families with comfort, trust and peace of mind,” says Hasan.

For more information, call 708-901-6100, email Contact@MalaikaHealthAndCare.com or visit MalaikaHealthAndCare.com. See ad on page 13 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

See the Difference with Vision Balance Therapy

Life Balance Clinic, in Glenview, offers Vision Balance Therapy—a gentle, noninvasive program designed to protect, restore and preserve our eyesight. Guided by Vadim Dekhtyar, DACM, LAc, the clinic blends modern technology with the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine to deliver truly holistic eye care.

Vision Balance Therapy combines advanced acupuncture, photobiomodulation (light therapy) and natural eye-health techniques to help maintain and restore retinal function. This unique approach supports patients facing conditions such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye and optic neuritis.

“Your eyes deserve more than waiting for decline. Vision Balance Therapy helps protect the gift of sight,” says Dekhtyar. "No injections, no drugs, just results. Our patients can see the difference and feel the balance.”

Location: 3633 W. Lake Ave., Ste. 307, Glenview. For more information or to make an appointment, call 847-724-1777 or visit LifeBalanceClinic.com See ad on page 21 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

A Return to Peace: Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens Reopen

The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) Lake Shrine welcomed visitors back to its meditation gardens on August 27 after a devastating wildfire shut down the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles in January. The lake’s outdoor areas, known for lush pathways and serene meditation nooks, opened first. Other parts of the Lake Shrine, including the Windmill Chapel, Houseboat and hilltop Temple, will reopen over the coming months as remediation continues across the 10-acre sanctuary.

“As a safe and quiet place full of nature’s beauty, it is our hope that the Lake Shrine can offer comfort and healing during this time of recovery,” says Brother Satyananda, minister-in-charge at the Lake Shrine. “We share our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this reopening possible—firefighters, staff, volunteers and members and friends of the SRF Lake Shrine from Los Angeles and around the world.”

August also marked the 75th anniversary of this beloved spiritual sanctuary. Those planning a visit are asked to make a reservation online. Visiting the meditation gardens is free, and all are welcome.

The Chicago Center of Self-Realization Fellowship is located at 946 N. Harlem Ave., in River Forest. For more information, visit ChicagoMeditationCenter.org. See ad on page 43, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Photo courtesy Life In Balance

Vadim Dekhtyar, DACM, LAc

Your Local Partner in

Dignity, Comfort & Care

Choosing care for yourself or a loved one is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. At Malaika Health and Care, we make that choice easier by bringing compassionate, reliable, and personalized support directly to your home.

Our trusted caregivers provide assistance with Activities of Daily Living, specialized care for those living with dementia, comforting companionship, support for people with special needs, and nurturing help for new mothers.

Founded by Malak Hasan, Malaika is more than a care agency –we are a partner families can count on. With us, your loved ones are safe, respected, and cared for as if they were our own.

Shift From Coping to Thriving With Brain Health Insights

by Kim Henderson, DC

Morning routines can be overwhelming. Waking up, letting the dog out, preparing coffee, getting kids off to school and rushing to work amid construction delays can leave the body and mind stressed, tired and anxious—all before 8:30 a.m. In the midst of it all, many find themselves counting the minutes until the next break or wishing they could cocoon back into bed.

Many people turn to meditation to break this cycle, but the effects are often temporary. Even after a session, stress can return quickly, and falling asleep at night can remain difficult. Addressing brain and nervous system health on multiple levels—physical, biochemical, genetic and energetic—offers a more comprehensive approach to achieving balance and resilience.

Genetic testing can also provide valuable insight. A simple saliva cheek swab can identify whether a person carries the APOE gene, which indicates a predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease. For those at higher risk, resources such as The Bredesen Protocol—The End of Alzheimer’s, by Dr. Dale E. Bredesen, and Breaking Alzheimer’s, by Dr. Dayan Goodenowe, outline strategies to reduce the likelihood of onset and support longterm cognitive health.

Energetic assessment adds another dimension. A heart rate variability scan, paired with advanced algorithmic software, can quickly measure stress levels and nervous system balance. These scans offer insight into whether the body is operating in sympathetic or parasympathetic dominance; the performance of the HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal); biological versus chronological age; and brain biorhythms.

By assessing and correcting malpositions of the cranium, neck, jaw, spine, sacrum and pelvic regions to remove restrictions that interfere with proper function, chiropractic and manual therapy treatments help restore cerebrospinal fluid flow and improve communication between the spinal nerves and spinal column.

Biochemical evaluation can reveal dysfunctions that affect brain performance. Testing may include neurotransmitters; hormones; cortisol levels; and plasmalogens, which are fats that keep brain cell membranes healthy and communicative. Because the brain’s chemistry is highly complex, overlapping symptoms are common, making precise testing an essential step in identifying the source of imbalance.

With so many advancements in understanding brain function, individuals can feel empowered to take action. By combining information from physical, biochemical, genetic and energetic perspectives, it becomes possible to move beyond coping and toward thriving throughout life.

Dr. Kim Henderson is the founder of Health Clarified, located at 2165A Shermer Rd., in Northbrook. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 224-344-8668 or visit HealthClarifiedNow.com See ads on pages 9, 19 and 41, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Photo courtesy of Health Clarified

Kim Henderson, DC

Good Sex Starts in the Brain: How Brain Health Fuels Sexual Health

by Jerry Garcia, PA-C, Pedro Azcona, M.D., and Raymond Wohl, BA, MA

When it comes to men’s health, most people think of hormones, circulation or fitness as the main drivers of sexual performance. But research shows that the most important sex organ is the brain.

A systematic review published in  Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews in January 2012 found that the human brain processes sexual experiences in the same way it processes other pleasures, such as food, social interaction or music. The researchers discovered that sexual behavior follows the same cycle of “wanting, liking and satiety” that drives other rewarding activities. In other words, desire, arousal and satisfaction are deeply rooted in brain networks that govern motivation and pleasure.

known about the “refractory period” or recovery phase after orgasm.

This brain–sex connection has important implications for men’s wellness. Stress, anxiety, depression and even poor sleep can disrupt brain circuits involved in pleasure, which in turn may reduce sexual drive and performance. Conversely, practices that enhance brain health—such as regular exercise, mindfulness, healthy nutrition and strong social connections—also support better sexual function.

At Chicago Male Clinic, we help men understand that improving sexual health isn’t just about addressing the body—it’s about caring for the brain as well. By treating the whole person, men can unlock the benefits of better brain health: sharper focus, improved mood, deeper intimacy and a more satisfying sex life.

Brain imaging studies reveal that sexual anticipation (“wanting”) and arousal or consummation (“liking”) activate distinct but connected areas of the brain. These networks overlap with those that govern reward, motivation and bonding—suggesting that good sex is not just physical, but also emotional and psychological. Interestingly, while science has mapped out desire and arousal fairly well, far less is

Jerry Garcia is the medical director, Dr. Pedro Azcona is a medical provider and Raymond Wohl is the business manager and patient care coordinator at Chicago Male Clinic, located at 4801 W. Peterson Ave., Ste. 506, in Chicago. For more information or to make an appointment, call 773-414-9900 or visit ChicagoMaleClinic.com See ad on page 17, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

HANDS WOMENS WELLNESS SERIES

Let’s take our health into our own hands!

• Join every other Saturday 1-4pm CST.

• For Beginner and Advanced Herbalists.

• Give yourself the gi of community & wisdom this winter.

• Limited scholarships are available.

Cesar Flores, Jerry Garcia, Raymond Wohl and Pedro Azcona

Photo courtesy of Chicago Male Clinic

Curcumin’s Potential To Revolutionize Cataract Care

Cataracts, a leading cause of blindness, occur when the eye’s clear lens becomes cloudy due to free radical damage. Curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, is a natural antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and reduce their harm. A systematic review published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine evaluated whether curcumin could prevent or treat cataracts.

The researchers analyzed 17 animal and/or lab-grown cell studies, demonstrating that curcumin prevented or slowed cataract formation by reducing damage to fats in cells and boosting antioxidant enzymes that protect the eye.

Despite these findings, the researchers noted that human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits before curcumin can be recommended as a treatment. Additionally, improving curcumin’s absorption, or bioavailability, is crucial to make it effective as medicine.

Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.

—Jim Bishop

Rare Forest Remnant Now Protected by Natural Land Institute

The Natural Land Institute (NLI) has acquired 20.5 acres of land that protects a remnant of old-growth forest near the Pecatonica River, in Winnebago County. The property, a triangular tract along Blair Road northwest of the village of Pecatonica, lies across from the Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve. Together, the protected areas help maintain the rural character of the landscape and safeguard natural habitat.

The forest is notable for its continuous stand of black maples, white oaks and northern red oaks, with black walnuts and hackberry along its eastern edge. Unlike many area woodlands, it has had virtually no invasion by invasive shrubs. The site also features a variety of wildflowers, a rich diversity of fungi and nesting habitat for several birds on the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan.

“My first reaction was the forest is really exceptional with its mix of black maple and white oak like I’ve seen nowhere else, and the lack of invasive species was astonishing,” says Alan Branhagen, NLI’s executive director.

The land was purchased from Arneta Reining, whose family had lived there since 1947. Reining says she wanted the land “left like it is for nature.”

For more information, visit NaturalLand.org.

Unique forest of white oak and black maple.

margouillatphotos from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Photo credit Arneta Reining

Non-invasive, Proactive Health Care With Illinois Thermography

by Marlaina Donato

In her native country of Hungary, Enikő Fodor’s early passions were math, physics and chemistry, so choosing a career in the health field felt like a natural progression. As the owner of Illinois Thermography, she is now living her best life in the Chicago area, providing clients with high-quality clinical thermal imaging while encouraging them to be active participants in their health.

“The future of health care is moving toward a more integrated, personalized, preventative model and thermography fits well into that,” says Fodor, underscoring how conventional medicine, thermography, technology and naturopathy “complement each other for best outcome.”

Since founding the company in 2011, Fodor says her greatest reward is knowing her imaging services offer a painless, radiation-free experience and the opportunity for early intervention. “My clients appreciate having options that do not rely solely on invasive diagnostics,” she notes.

Unlike mammography and ultrasound, which capture visuals of tissue structure, thermography is an adjunct imaging tool that gives a fuller picture of health. A sensitive infrared camera captures heat emitted by the body’s surface, detecting inflammation, injury and abnormal patterns. “The reason this is so important is that a change in temperature is one of the first signs of disease in the making. Our heat signature should be symmetrical and should not change in a healthy person,” explains Fodor, adding that thermography also reveals areas of dysfunction such as increased blood vessel circulation and metabolic changes. She highlights that mapping the body’s heat patterns can provide “risk assessment for inflammatory conditions like arthritis and lymphatic congestion, peripheral artery disease and

deep vein thrombosis.”

Fodor, an American College of Clinical Thermology-approved thermographer, serves a wide client base across nearly 50 locations she visits regularly, mostly chiropractic offices in the Chicago area, with a few in Indiana and Michigan. In addition to breast screenings, Fodor and her associates offer half- and full-body screenings, while medical doctors assess thyroid, dental and sinus, temporomandibular joint, carotid artery and immune system issues.

Thermography is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as an adjunct to other tests, including mammograms. The United Breast Cancer Foundation offers financial assistance of up to $150 for qualified applicants to cover thermography services. It is also safe for women with breast implants and reliable for heat-mapping dense or fibrocystic breast tissue.

Fodor believes that a well-rounded life promotes good health, including her own. When she is not working, she enjoys learning new things, participating in church events throughout the year, traveling with her daughter, and spending time with her husband and close friends.

Throughout October, Illinois Thermography is offering $25 off new breast screenings and $50 off half- or full-body screenings. For more information or to make an appointment, call 847-363-3314, email IllinoisThermography@gmail.com or visit IllinoisThermography.com

See ad on page 41, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

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Image courtesy of Illinois

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Repair Cafés in Northern Illinois:

Reviving Repair Culture and Building Community

by the McHenry County College Sustainability Center

In an age dominated by convenience and consumerism, repair cafés offer a refreshing alternative—spaces where broken items are mended, skills are shared and communities come together. Across northern Illinois, these volunteer-driven events are quietly transforming how people think about waste, sustainability and self-reliance.

Understanding Repair Cafés

Originating in Amsterdam in 2009, the repair café movement was founded as a response to the growing culture of disposability. The vision was to create a space where people could bring broken items and receive help from skilled volunteers to fix them. Today, there are thousands of repair cafés worldwide, including a growing number in Illinois.

Participants bring items ranging from household appliances and electronics to clothing and jewelry. Volunteers—often retired professionals or hobbyists—offer their expertise to diagnose and repair these items. The goal isn’t just to fix things; it’s to teach others to do it themselves.

Northern Illinois Repair Café Highlights

• Evanston Repair Café (ClimateAction Evanston.org/waste-initiatives/repair-cafes) is co-hosted by Climate Action Evanston and the Evanston Public Library. Events are held twice monthly at the Robert Crown Community Center Library. Volunteers help repair bikes, electronics, clothing and more.

• Oak Park Repair Café (RepairCafeOak Parkil.org) meets on the first Saturday of each month at Fox Park. Volunteers repair small

appliances, clothing and other household items.

• Chicago’s Repair Café (Facebook.com/ RepairCafeChicago), located at Sulzer Regional Library, in Lincoln Square, has been operating for more than a decade. The café, hosted by Forward Chicago, runs on the second Saturday of each month. Volunteers tackle a wide range of repairs—from rewiring toys and restitching stuffed animals to fixing jewelry and clothing. The café operates on a donation-based model.

• Township of Lyons Repair Café (LyonsTownshipil.gov/repair-cafe-location), in Countryside, hosts monthly events at the township building. Attendees can bring items like toasters, torn clothing, lamps and small engines. The café also offers blade sharpening services

Events are free and open to the public.

The Impact on Communities

Repair cafés are more than just fix-it events— they’re catalysts for change. In Evanston, organizers estimate an 80 percent success rate in repairs, meaning most items brought in are saved from the landfill. This not only reduces waste, but saves residents money and preserves cherished belongings.

Beyond environmental benefits, repair cafés foster intergenerational learning and community resilience. Retired mechanics, seamstresses and tinkerers share their knowledge with younger generations, reviving lost skills and building connections.

Photo credit Kim Hankins

Photo credit Kim Hankins

The emotional impact is also profound. Lenore Kimmel, a jewelry repair volunteer in Chicago, recalls fixing a cross necklace blessed by the Pope for a woman that was moved to tears. “She was just so overjoyed,” Kimmel says. “It was just amazing.”

A Movement With Momentum

The rise of repair cafés aligns with broader sustainability efforts, including the right-to-repair movement. As states consider legislation to make repair parts and manuals more accessible, grassroots initiatives like these are already making a difference.

In northern Illinois, the momentum is growing. More towns and organizations are exploring the model, inspired by the success of existing cafés.

McHenry County College (MCC), in Crystal Lake, hosted its first Repair Fair in the spring and plans to host another event during the Green Living Expo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 1. The community is invited to bring lamps and light fixtures, small appliances, clothing, bicycles and small engines for repair at no cost. MCC’s Repair Fair follows the same repair café model as those listed above, offering free, community-centered repair services led by volunteers.

“We live in a time where it’s easier and more cost effective to replace a broken item than to repair it,” says Ashley Lange, board member with the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, who helped coordinate MCC’s Repair Fair. “These events offer such a simple solution that’s right in front of us.”

Ash Klinder, a sustainability intern at Joliet Junior College (JJC) and

McHenry County Repair Fair

11 a.m.–2 p.m., November 1

Give broken items new life with help from volunteers repairing bicycles, small appliances, clocks, fabrics and lamps, plus new services for jewelry, eyeglasses and possibly musical instruments.

The Repair Fair runs in conjunction with the 17th annual Green Living Expo (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), a celebration of sustainable living featuring solar and renewable energy exhibits, composting demonstrations, eco-gift shopping, green home solutions and tours of McHenry County College’s student farm and new buildings.

Location: McHenry County College, 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake. Volunteer information: KHankins@McHenry.edu

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founder of the Romeoville Repair Café, was also drawn to the movement for its values of empowerment and waste reduction.

“I love that people are able to get their items fixed for free and that it’s something we can actionize to make a difference,” she says.

The Romeoville Repair Café (JJC.edu/campus-life/sustainability/ romeoville-repair-cafe) takes place at JJC twice a year, in April and October, offering fixes for electronics, textiles, furniture, jewelry, ceramics and bicycles. This year’s event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 18 at JJC’s Romeoville campus.

How to Get Involved

Whether participants are skilled fixers or simply bringing in a broken lamp, there’s a place for everyone at a repair café. Most events welcome volunteers and donations, and many offer training for those interested in learning repair skills.

To locate a repair café nearby or to start one in a community, visit RepairCafe.us or RepairCafe.org/en

Established in 2013, the MCC Sustainability Center builds upon McHenry County College’s longstanding dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. For more information, email Kim Hankins at Sustainability@McHenry.edu. See ad on page 11.

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Dr. Vadim Dekhtyar, DACM, L.Ac.

Fall Fertilization Sets Trees Up for Spring Success

by M.D. Skeet (“Skeet”)

Fall is an excellent time to fertilize trees and shrubs. With cooler temperatures and consistent rainfall, root development is typically vigorous during this season. As roots grow, they absorb nutrients that are either transported to the leaves or stored for use in the spring. When new leaves and twigs emerge, they can draw from these reserves to produce the food trees need to thrive.

The goal of fertilization is to supply the nutrients plants need without overapplying or introducing unneeded elements. A soil nutrient analysis is recommended to determine exactly what’s necessary, improving both tree health and environmental outcomes.

If a soil test hasn’t been performed in the past three years, a sample should be collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The resulting report outlines soil conditions and provides a detailed prescription for the essential nutrients required to maintain tree and shrub health.

Urban Soil Often Lacks Key Nutrients

Trees and shrubs require 17 different nutrient elements. A deficiency in even one of these can weaken a tree and increase its susceptibility to pests and disease.

In urban landscapes, nutrient deficiencies occur for a number of reasons. New construction often involves removing topsoil across the building area, leaving behind compacted low-nutrient subsoil for new plants. In established landscapes, removing fallen leaves each year reduces the amount of nutrients returned to the soil—unlike in forests, where leaf litter naturally decomposes and replenishes soil nutrients.

Turf fertilizers are not always beneficial to trees. Turf grasses require a higher soil pH than most tree species, so annual turf applications may negatively impact surrounding trees. Fertilizer should only be

applied when a known deficiency exists. Laboratory soil and foliar nutrient analyses are more effective than visual assessments of leaf color and twig growth at detecting deficiencies and identifying underlying causes such as improper soil pH. Laboratory tests can also reveal secondary nutrient deficiencies or excesses that may be missed through visual observation alone.

Soil pH Affects Nutrient Absorption

Soil pH, a measure of soil acidity or alkalinity, plays an important role in plant health. Most trees and shrubs prefer slightly acidic soil for optimal nutrient uptake. If the pH is too high or too low for the species, adjustments may be necessary.

Understanding Fertilizer Labels

Most fertilizers are a blend of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), available in both liquid and dry forms. Complete fertilizers contain all three macronutrients. Their labels include three numbers, such as 10-10-10, indicating the percentage by dry weight of each nutrient: total N, available phosphoric acid (P₂O₅) and soluble potash (K₂O). The order always remains N-P-K.

For example, a 10-6-4 fertilizer contains 10 percent N, 6 percent P and 4 percent K. A 50-pound bag would contain 5 pounds of N, 3 pounds of P and 2 pounds of K.

Fertilization methods vary by need. Fertilizers can have fast-release, slow-release or a combination. Understanding the specific nutrient deficiency and desired outcome helps determine the best formulation and application method.

Choosing the Right Application Method

There are four primary methods for applying fertilizer, each with specific goals and outcomes. Broadcast application involves spreading fertilizer directly onto the soil surface, while subsurface application

Photo courtesy of Bartlett Tree Experts

places it below the surface. Trunk injections are typically used to address micronutrient deficiencies around the circumference of the tree. And foliar application involves spraying fertilizer onto the surface of the leaves.

Certified Help Is Available

Given the complexities of soil health and fertilization strategies, expert guidance can make all the difference. For best results, property owners are encouraged to consult a certified arborist from an accredited tree care company. These professionals have the training and equipment needed to ensure appropriate nutrient management and support long-term tree health.

M.D. Skeet (“Skeet”) is an International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist and commercial arborist representative in the Bolingbrook office of Bartlett Tree Experts. Bartlett operates 11 offices and satellite locations serving Chicagoland, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri and Indiana, with more than 125 locations globally. For more information, call 630-960-4001 or visit Bartlett.com. See ad on page 27, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

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Squirrel Appreciation Month

Celebrates Chicago’s Acorn Ambassadors

by Sheryl DeVore

October is Squirrel Awareness and Appreciation Month, and while some people think these common mammals can be a nuisance, there’s a lot to appreciate and learn about them, according to Joel Brown, who has studied tree squirrels for many years.

“Tree squirrels are incredibly important for tree regeneration,” says Brown, distinguished professor emeritus in biological sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Brown, an Oak Park resident who co-founded Project Squirrel (ProjectSquirrel.org), adds they’re also fun to watch and can teach scientists about ways wild animals adapt to urban and suburban areas. “Watching squirrels is an amazing opportunity to see a nature special going on in real time in your own backyard,” says Brown.

Nathan Proudman, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, studies mammals, including squirrels, throughout the state. “The fact that squirrels can thrive within urban spaces is pretty cool,” he says. “I see squirrels as the archetypes of college campuses. They’re a welcome sight as you walk between buildings and observe them scampering between the trees.”

Four Tree Squirrel Species

Four types of tree squirrels live in Illinois, distinct from ground squirrels such as chipmunks and thirteen-lined ground squirrels, which live in burrows and spend more time on the ground than in trees.

The two most common types are the eastern fox squirrel and eastern gray squirrel. Both scamper through trees; create bundles of leaves, called dreys, in which to raise their young in summer; and are busy, especially in autumn, devouring and caching black walnuts, acorns and other nuts. They also raid bird feeders if they’re not squirrel proof and sometimes choose attics in which to spend winter if they can’t find a good tree cavity.

Other species in the region include the nocturnal flying squirrel, which is difficult to see but likely fairly common, and the very rare red squirrel, probably found only in a small area in Kankakee County.

Red squirrels were much more common before European settlement, when many more pine trees grew in the state. Proudman explains that red squirrels are specialists that eat pine seeds and need coniferous forests in which to live.

Brown wants people to know that tree squirrels are not carriers of disease. “They do not spread rabies,” he says. “If anything, a squirrel

Photo credit

Steven D. Bailey

Eastern gray squirrel enjoying a nut.

Squirrel Awareness Month Founder Was From Chicago Region

can catch a common cold from a human,” which can be fatal to the squirrel.

Eastern Gray vs. Eastern Fox Squirrels

Both gray and fox squirrels, which do not hibernate in winter, are found in the Chicago region and can be easily identified.

“The eastern gray squirrel is gray with a white tummy, and the tail has a lovely, white fringe, like a hair accent,” Brown says.

“Fox squirrels have orange tummies and their fur tends to be more orange in color,” he explains. Their tails have a black fringe instead of the white fringe on the gray squirrel.

“The fox squirrels look like they go to a parochial school with a dress code,” Brown continues. “They will almost always look very similar. Gray squirrels look like they go to a public school with no dress code.”

Sometimes gray squirrels are completely black—a form called melanism. Sightings of black squirrels are rising in the Chicago region and across the state, according to Proudman. Recent observations have come from Logan Square, in Chicago, as well as in Highland Park, Zion and Mundelein, among other suburbs.

“We’ve definitely seen more on cameras this last year than ever before, but we’d have to do more extensive studies to confirm their increase in the region,” says Proudman.

In 1995, Greg Bassett, an Elmhurst resident, founded the Squirrel Lover’s Club after a tree squirrel stood on its legs and looked toward him on a vacation in the Grand Canyon. Bassett created Squirrel Awareness Week for the first seven days of October and later extended it to a full month, now known as Squirrel Awareness and Appreciation Month. Over the years, he spoke of his fondness for squirrels on television shows such as The Today Show and Animal Planet

Bassett died in October 2018. The Squirrel Lovers Club (TheSquirrelLoversClub.com) continues today. The website includes information on keeping squirrels out of attics and studies on fox and gray squirrels.

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Photo credit Steven D. Bailey

Eastern fox squirrel on a tree.

Black form of the eastern gray squirrel in Lake County.

Photo credit Steven D. Bailey

“You’ll even see eastern gray squirrels with odd-looking light-bleached tails or light-orange tails,” Brown adds. “And there are funny-looking squirrels that look like a cross between a fox and a gray squirrel. We’ve done a roadkill survey of these funny-looking squirrels and genetically they all turned out to be the eastern gray squirrels.”

Another difference is size.

“Usually the fox squirrels are much larger and have a stockier build,” Proudman says. “Eastern gray squirrels are built for speed,” he continues, adding, “In urban environments with an abundance of food, gray squirrels can get pretty fat.”

Both gray and fox squirrels live in Brown’s Oak Park neighborhood. Once fox squirrels dominated, now grays tend to be more common there, he says.

His studies at the Morton Arboretum, in Lisle, where both species live, have shown that gray squirrels prefer deep woods, while fox squirrels live on wood margins.

“It’s more difficult for a coyote, fox or hawk to get a squirrel in the deep woods, where the grays dominate,” Brown says. “The fox squirrels are more exposed to predators at wood margins. That could be why the fox squirrels have a more pronounced fur color, which could chase away predators.”

Stockpiling Food for Winter

In October and November, both squirrel species stockpile food for winter. “They’re called scatter-hoarders,” Proudman relays. “Instead of hoarding food all in one place for it to be wiped out completely, they try to spread it across the environment, increasing the chances of supplies being left in winter.”

It’s a common misconception that squirrels don’t have good memories. Actually, they do remember where they planted their stashes, according to Proudman and Brown. But they won’t find all of them, and that’s where their contribution to planting trees comes in.

Squirrels hide their cache in the soil for later retrieval.

“If they left the acorns and other nuts on the surface, the food will fairly quickly get eaten by something else or it will get covered in mold or fungus or infested with weevils or beetles,” Brown explains. “Every oak tree out there is thankful to a squirrel burying an acorn safely and then forgetting where it is,” he says, adding blue jays also cache acorns and help plant trees.

Proudman says these accidental gardeners also serve as important prey species for red-tailed hawks and other birds and mammals. He once discovered a photo on a hidden camera showing a mink carrying a fox squirrel it had caught for a meal.

Both fox and gray squirrels have almost identical behaviors and diets and are equally adept at raiding bird feeders because of their acrobatic skills.

Squirrels can hang upside down from a tree while eating a nut, Brown explains. “What’s cool about that is for them to hang upside down on the side of a tree anchored by their hind feet, they have to be able to rotate their ankles. They can rotate their ankles

backward,” he says. “They have long sharp claws and long digits, which gives them amazing grasping and clutching abilities. However, they can fall out of trees—and they do.”

Squirrels persevere when raiding bird feeders. “If there’s a bird feeder and they want to get to it, they will study it and try things in steps and test their limits,” Brown says.

Bird Feeders and Attics

To prevent squirrels from stealing bird seed, Brown suggests placing feeders away from rooftops and trees where squirrels could jump from. Certain squirrel baffles can also help. Tossing some food on the ground might work, but it could also attract other unwanted animals, he says. Squirrels will also eat cobs of field corn on feeders designed to attach to trees.

Come winter, squirrels spend lots of time in tree cavities and sometimes attics, if they can get in. If a squirrel gets into an attic in winter, a specialist can remove it, or homeowners can wait until spring when it gets hot and the squirrels leave, Brown suggests.

Tree squirrels mate often in plain view of humans in January. The young are born in May in tree cavities or even attics. Squirrels may mate again in June and raise a second litter in dreys during summer.

“Squirrels are just one of the most wonderful species around here,” Brown asserts. “They’re not a domestic animal. They’re not feral. They’re not being managed by humans. They’re just nature working all around us.”

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

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Photo credit Steven D. Bailey

Eastern fox squirrel at a corn feeder.

Activating Neuroplasticity

The Brain's Ultimate Rewind Button

by Hannah Tytus

The brain has an amazing ability to rewire itself by strengthening, rerouting or growing new connections in response to learning, experience or injury. This continuous reshaping is known as neuroplasticity. The changes can be positive, such as regaining movement or speech after a stroke or learning a new skill. Sometimes they are neutral, and other times they can be harmful when maladaptive patterns reinforce chronic pain or anxiety. Fortunately, the brain can grow and adapt at any age, and there are many ways to help it thrive. Nourishing foods, mindful movement, meditation, social connection, clean air and restful sleep are everyday choices that can nurture the brain in powerful ways.

Neuroplasticity Across the Lifespan

It has long been believed that children’s brains are more malleable as they grow, and that once they reach adulthood, the brain stops evolving. But new research suggests that this may not be the full story. While the brains of developing children are certainly very adaptable, the adult brain is far from fixed.

A variety of influences, including stress, hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, medications, environmental stimulation, learning and aging, can reshape how brain cells are built and function. These factors may trigger changes in the size or structure of brain regions, shift the brain’s chemical makeup, alter the shape of individual neurons and even rewire networks of connections, sparking the growth of new neurons in a process called neurogenesis.

Scientists have long known that injuries, chronic stress and the natural process of aging can take a toll on the brain. Yet, new discoveries in neuroscience and integrative medicine point to the remarkable potential for repair and renewal at every phase of life.

Healthy Fats

“Nutrition is the foundation of everything in health. You can’t build anything in the body without good food,” says Dr. Kat Toups, a functional medicine psychiatrist, researcher and author of Dementia Demystified: The Definitive Guide to Resurrecting Your Brain, Reversing Cognitive Decline and Regaining Your Memory. Contrary to decades of marketing campaigns for low-fat and fat-free diets, Toups explains, healthy fats are essential for brain health. The spongy white and grey matter of the brain, where all the thinking and messaging happens, is made primarily of fat.

Found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, as well as in walnuts and fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids are some of the healthiest fats, increasing blood flow in the brain and nourishing its physical structures to help improve learning, memory and cognitive well-being.

Mindful Movement

“The most validated ways to support neuroplasticity are exercise and meditation—and both are free,” says Toups. Exercise is well-known to protect the brain and boost thinking skills. One way it may do this is by supporting the growth of new neurons and strengthening connections within the hippocampus, an area in the brain involved

in the formation of fresh memories and the recall of past experiences. A 2017 study published in Experimental Gerontology found that regular exercise significantly increased hippocampus volume, while nonactive participants showed a shrinking hippocampus.

In addition to strength and cardio training, exercise that incorporates mindful and creative components may enrich the benefits. Engaging the body and mind at the same time can strengthen neural networks and support long-term cognitive function. Long walks, yoga classes or playful sessions with the kids or grandchildren are excellent ways to support the link between body and brain. Studies show that tai chi, a mindful movement practice, may be even more effective than regular exercise in protecting cognitive function because it increases brain activation in regions associated with motor function and focus, and is accessible to those with mobility limitations.

Daily Meditation

A regular mindfulness practice supports neuroplasticity, making it easier to regulate emotions and handle stress. A 2024 review found that regular meditation can physically reshape the brain, strengthening areas tied to focus, emotional control and self-awareness. One reason for this is meditation’s effect on a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This molecule acts like fertilizer for brain cells, helping them grow, form new connections and remain healthy. Meditation increases BDNF, and higher levels of BDNF are linked not only to sharper

learning and memory, but also to longer lasting brain health.

Additional research has demonstrated that even a short daily meditation session can increase gray matter density in regions tied to learning, memory and emotional regulation. Over time, these changes help reduce stress reactivity and support long-term resilience. Even if formal seated meditation is not feasible, simple mindful presence can help. “I try to tell people to find small moments to come into their body, come into the moment and be present,” Toups advises. “You can do that by washing the dishes. You don’t need to sit in lotus position and chant for an hour.”

Creative Activities

“Every time you learn something new or do a novel task, you are promoting neuroplasticity,” explains Toups. Learning new skills, from juggling to speaking a new language, produces measurable changes in brain structure, particularly in brain matter volume. These changes can occur in both early-learning phases and long-term practice, underscoring the brain’s capacity for adaptation throughout life.

Making music and dancing can strengthen connections in the brain; even the act of listening to music has been shown to enhance neural plasticity and cognitive flexibility. Toups recommends rocking out to a favorite song in the kitchen and choreographing a few dance moves.

Restorative Sleep

Rapid eye movement (REM), a stage of sleep marked by increased brain activity and

vivid dreaming, plays an important role in neuroplasticity. During REM, the brain actively prunes unhelpful neural connections and reinforces others, supporting brain development, the learning of new skills and memory improvement.

To support consistent REM sleep, aim for seven to nine hours of shuteye and try to maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time. A good night’s rest after learning a new skill or information can help that lesson integrate into the brain, supporting behavioral change.

Clean Air

Keeping the air in the home clean is important for overall brain health. Research suggests that mold toxicity may be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, after researchers discovered traces of fungi inside the central nervous system of many Alzheimer’s patients—an infection that was absent in healthy individuals. Mold toxicity in the home can elicit an immune response and harm the brain. For example, a 2020 study found that black mold inhalation can cause inflammation in the hippocampus and reduce neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells.

Practicing clean air habits can help assuage the risks of mold exposure at home. These include investing in an air purifier, ventilating regularly by opening windows, using exhaust fans and maintaining household ducts. Mold concerns can be investigated with a simple at-home testing kit, followed by professional testing and remediation, if needed.

Light Therapy

“Photobiomodulation is a powerful way to create neuroplasticity, both quickly and over the long term,” says Dr. Lew Lim, founder of the Vielight photobiomodulation (PBM) device, which has been studied in collaboration with universities and medical institutions, including the University of Toronto, Harvard Medical School and Mount Sinai Hospital.

PBM, also called light therapy, uses gentle red or near-infrared light to stimulate brain cells, boost the energy-producing parts of cells known as mitochondria, improve blood flow and calm inflammation. “When we activate the mitochondria with PBM, the mitochondria actually release growth factors, which support growth of new cells in the brain,” Lim explains.

According to Lim, PBM may help the brain protect and repair its neurons, encourage the growth of new connections and support the clearing of harmful waste proteins linked to cognitive decline. He asserts that certain light pulse frequencies, such as 40 hertz, may also help tune brainwave patterns that are important for memory and learning. While most research so far has been in small human studies or animal models, the results suggest that regular PBM could strengthen the brain’s natural ability to adapt and rewire itself. Some people use PBM as part of a daily routine to keep their minds sharp, while others use it to heal from more serious brain injuries.

Finding Community

Research shows that staying connected to others offers powerful protection for the brain. Older adults that feel lonely or spend long stretches without social contact face about a 50 percent higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, even when other health factors are taken into account. One long-term study found that memory and thinking skills declined 20 percent faster in those that reported feeling lonely.

Anna Frank from Getty Images Signature/CanvaPro

Alex Green from Pexels/CanvaPro

Being socially active can help guard the brain against decline. For 25 years, the Northwestern University SuperAging Program has studied people in their 80s and beyond with nimble minds that work as well as people decades younger. Brain scans show that these study participants called SuperAgers do not exhibit the usual thinning of the brain’s outer layer normally seen with age, and one key area involved in attention and decision-making is thicker than even in middle-aged adults.

Under the microscope, SuperAger brain cells are larger, better connected and show fewer signs of Alzheimer’s damage or inflammation. These resilient individuals tend to be very social, valuing close relationships and staying engaged with others—habits that may work hand-in-hand with their unusually healthy brain structures to help protect thinking skills late in life.

Even a weekly coffee with a friend or joining a class can be powerful brain fuel. People with rich social lives, including those that regularly share time with friends, family and communities, tend to keep their minds sharper for longer.

An Evolving Brain

The brain is never truly fixed. It is a living, adapting system that can grow stronger, sharper and more resilient at any age, and we can guide those changes. Whether through movement, nutrition, light therapy, meditation or meaningful connection, every choice we make can help shape and rewire the mind for the better. The science is clear: it is never too late to nurture the brain’s potential. Embrace neuroplasticity as a lifelong journey and let each new day be an opportunity to learn, adapt and thrive.

Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and former writer at the National Institutes of Health. She also hosts “Root Shock”, a podcast exploring how cultural and systemic forces shape our understanding of health.

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Many clients report relief from chronic stress, inflammation, migraines, pain and sleep issues— even after just a few sessions. “The sessions provided relief and transformed my experience,” says Pauli, a client who struggled with debilitating migraines.

Feeding Our Brain Power

What To Eat for Mental Acuity

by Maya Whitman

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about one in 10 adults aged 45 and older experience worsening memory loss or cognitive decline, a precursor to dementia. A 2022 study in JAMA Neurology indicates that 22 percent of adults over age 65 experience mild cognitive impairment. Our dietary choices significantly impact brain longevity, and what we avoid is equally important.

The late pioneering researcher Dr. Martha Clare Morris developed the MIND Diet, which merges the Mediterranean and DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diets to enhance cognitive function with plenty of delicious versatility. A 2015

study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that strict adherence to the MIND Diet can reduce Alzheimer’s risk by 53 percent, while moderate adherence can lower it by 35 percent.

The MIND Diet is a stress-free, lifelong plan with bountiful menu options, including fish, lean poultry, vegetables, nuts, berries, whole grains, legumes and high-quality olive oil. It accommodates gluten-free and plant-based preferences. With satiating breakfast options like Greek yogurt or scrambled eggs, spicy chili for lunch and fun dinner burrito bowls, this diet is flexible and beginner-friendly, allowing for moderate consumption of pasta, potatoes

and bread, with a focus on whole-grain, complex carbohydrates over refined ones. It also recommends oven roasting instead of high-heat frying.

A Lifelong Investment

“You can never be too young to embrace brain-healthy dietary strategies in support of longevity. Early adoption of brain-healthy eating habits may also enhance cognitive reserve, strengthening the brain’s resilience to neuropathological damage over time,” says neuroscientist Kristen Willeumier, founder and CEO of the Willeumier Center for Advanced Research in Neurotrauma & Brain Rehabilitation, in California.

Embracing variety is important. “I like to have people think of brain-healthy food groups, not superfoods,” states Annie Fenn, M.D., founder of the Brain Health Kitchen and author of The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food. Fenn notes that women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men “for reasons that have nothing to do with living longer. Alzheimer’s can start in the brain up to 30 years before the first symptoms. It’s never too early or too late. Data shows that switching to a brain-healthy diet can have benefits even in one’s 70s.”

The Link Neuroscience Institute, in California, recommends eating more colorful berries, fatty fish such as sardines, dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and a moderate amount of high-quality dark chocolate to protect the brain from oxidative stress, which can lead to conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as mood disorders, including long-term depression. They also advise against consuming processed and fried foods, sugar, alcohol and sodium.

Cutting Out the Culprits

According to Willeumier, even a modest reduction in the intake of processed foods, including packaged products, sweetened cereals, deli meats and sugary beverages, can

have a positive impact on brain health. She recommends the complete elimination of alcoholic beverages. “Neuroimaging studies, including the Whitehall II Study, which followed 550 participants over a 30-year period tracking alcohol intake and cognitive performance, suggest that there is no protective effect of alcohol on the brain, even from light drinking. Eliminate alcohol for the preservation of your long-term brain health.”

Certain foods accelerate brain aging, and Fenn recommends limiting or eliminating fast and fried foods, sugar, artificially sweetened drinks, ultra-processed products and foods that are excessively high in saturated fat like butter and some cheeses. Certain cooking techniques are also problematic. “Frying, searing and grilling directly over high heat creates inflammatory particles called advanced glycation end products, or AGEs,” explains Fenn. “Think low-and-slow when you cook—low heat, slow cooking, braising, poaching, steaming and indirect grilling.”

Willeumier notes that these healthy eating habits can have an immediate effect on brain function by influencing neurotransmitter production, stabilizing blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation and improving cerebral blood flow, all of which can also help us to live longer, maintain our focus and thinking skills, and feel happier.

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

October Chicago Area Farmers Market Update

by Bob Benenson

This section in Natural Awakenings Chicago focuses much of its local food reporting on the benefits and joys of shopping at farmers markets. This may be old news for many readers that are farmers market regulars. For those that are not, we encourage giving it a try: The experience of enjoying super-fresh, locally produced, healthy food—much of it grown with environmentally sustainable practices—could make someone a convert.

This is especially timely as autumn arrives and opportunities to visit local farmers and enjoy their fresh produce begin to wane. Most of the more than 100 farmers markets in the Chicago region remain open as of October 1. By Halloween, all but a handful of the seasonal outdoor markets will have closed for the year.

Early in the month, shoppers can enjoy the transitional season, when both late summer and early fall crops are in abundance. According to the University of Illinois Extension, produce typically available in an average October includes: apples, bell peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, grapes, greens, herbs, horseradish, lettuce, okra, onions, peas, plums, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and turnips.

Because every year and every season can differ, shoppers seeking specific items are encouraged to start checking early.

Local Food Forum publishes a regularly updated Chicago Region Farmers Market Tracker (LocalFoodForum.com/post/local-food-forum-chicago-region-farmers-market-tracker) to help plan visits. We also recommend downloading Illinois Extension’s Illinois... What’s in Season chart (Extension.Illinois.edu/sites/default/files/cjmmwhatsinseason.pdf) for year-round reference. Find nearby markets on Illinois Farmers Market Association's website (ILFMA.org/find-a-market).

Bob Benenson is the writer and publisher of Local Food Forum, a Chicago-based publication that maintains a regional farmers market tracker and covers the markets regularly. For more information, visit LocalFoodForum.com

Photo credit

Bob Benenson

SOAR Market Tomatoes and Pumpkins

Farmers Market Brussels Sprouts: Simple Steps to Roast Fall’s Star Veggie

by Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN Executive Director, Illinois Farmers Market Association

Farmers markets into October are bursting with fresh produce, meats, poultry and artisan products. Fall produce is making its debut, and many summer favorites are still available. Click on the map to find a market near you (ilfma.org/ find-a-market).

Brussels sprouts are one of those fall vegetables now available at the market, but they often don’t come packaged and ready to go—they come on the stalk.

Brussels sprouts are having a moment. They appear on countless restaurant menus as smallplate options, but many customers are reluctant to buy sprouts on the stalk, unsure of what to do with them.

So, here are step-by-step instructions for roasting market-fresh Brussels sprouts. Roasting enhances their flavor.

ROASTED MARKET-FRESH BRUSSELS SPROUTS

YIELD: 3-4 SERVINGS AS A SIDE DISH

1 stalk Brussels sprouts, sprouts removed

2 Tbsp olive oil

Kosher or coarse salt

2 Tbsp dried cranberries, cooked bacon or slivered almonds (optional)

Preheat oven to 400° F

Remove the individual sprouts from the stalk. You can use a knife, but a gentle twist usually breaks the sprout off the stalk. Once all sprouts are removed, wash and pat dry.

Cut off the tough bottom part of each sprout. Pieces should be roughly the same size—cut larger ones in half if needed.

Place the sprouts on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Gently mix with your hands to evenly coat the sprouts.

Roast in the oven. Cooking time depends on the size of the pieces. Start with 20 minutes and watch closely, add more time if needed. Roast until the outer leaves are crisped and the inside is tender.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for use in salads over the next few days. Optionally, add dried cranberries, cooked bacon or slivered almonds once roasted.

Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN, is the executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA). ILFMA supports local food and food systems by giving Illinois farmers markets and producers access to resources, education and connections to grow healthier and economically vibrant communities. For more information, visit ilfma.org

Support Local: Why Farmers Markets Matter

The Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA) helps make fresh, local food available across the state by supporting farmers markets and the people that run them. Shopping at farmers markets isn’t just about delicious farm fresh products—it’s about building stronger communities, supporting small farms and making healthy food accessible to all. Many Illinois markets accept SNAP and WIC benefits, thanks in part to ILFMA’s efforts. Local markets reduce environmental impact and connect people directly with growers. Every visit supports a more sustainable food system. For more information or to find a market nearby, visit ilfma.org.

Photo credit

Janie Maxwell

Photo

Janie Maxwell

Photo credit

Janie Maxwell

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Provisions for the Brain:

The Sacred Power of Walnuts

by Wouter Bijdendijk and Joris Bijdendijk

When I think of walnuts, I think of the brownies I bake every year on my birthday—and my favorite Persian dish,  fesenjān, a sweet and sour stew with walnuts and pomegranate juice. In English, the walnut is also called “Persian walnut.” The word  walnut literally means “foreigner’s nut.” In antiquity, the walnut was brought from Persia to Greece and spread through Europe by the Greeks and Romans. Eastward, it reached China via Afghanistan. This nut, among humanity’s oldest cultivated crops, is now grown in many more places. France, Italy and the United States are currently the largest producers.

Among the Greeks and Romans, the walnut tree was dedicated to the supreme god Zeus (Jupiter). Walnuts were seen as the food of the gods. The sacred connection is reflected in its botanical name Juglans regia, meaning “royal acorn of Jupiter.” The tree has long been associated with death and is widely planted in cemeteries, but the nut was also used as a fertility symbol at weddings, when walnuts were sprinkled over young brides.

Belgian professor of ethnobotany Marcel de Cleene noted that, in Europe and Latin-speaking countries, walnut trees were regarded as the favorite haunt of witches, who gathered beneath them on June 24, St. John’s Day. Brian Muraresku, author of The Immortality Key, also describes the walnut tree as a gathering place of wise herbal women, later known as witches.

The walnut was also considered an oracle tree in ancient Europe, its nuts believed to reveal prophecies about marriage and life. In Belgium, it remains customary to plant a walnut tree when a son is born. My mother planted one on our farm in Wallonia even before I was born. Interestingly, the names Wallonia and Wales both trace back to the word walnut. Walnut trees were also planted near farms, as the bitter substances of the leaves kept mosquitoes and flies at bay. Leaves were sometimes hung in cribs for the same reason.

Technically, walnuts are not true nuts. They do not meet the botanical definition: a fruit with one seed and a hardened shell, like a hazelnut. Walnuts are actually stone fruits, though they

have long been called nuts.

According to traditional medicine, walnuts are used to strengthen the kidneys, lungs and intestines. They have warming properties and are believed to benefit libido. In Chinese cuisine, walnuts are among the most commonly used nuts, valued for their protein, fats and nutritional benefits.

And, as ancient healers once intuited, the walnut is a provision for the brain. According to the ancient Doctrine of Signatures, plants that resemble body parts were believed to have healing properties. The walnut, with its two lobes and convoluted surface, resembles the human brain—and in this case, the resemblance is more than symbolic. Rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts support brain cell membranes; help reduce inflammation; and may contribute to protecting against degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

Walnuts also contain the amino acid tryptophan, which the body converts into serotonin, the “happiness hormone” that helps support mood. They are high in antioxidants and fiber, and their vitamin E may support reproductive health and overall cardiovascular wellness.

A well-known home remedy for colds and digestive issues involves soaking young walnuts with their green husks in brandy, often with cloves and cinnamon. The walnut tree itself—with its aromatic, lanceolate leaves and iconic green-then-black husk—has long been revered for its healing properties.

For most adults, the recommendation is to eat one handful (about 25 grams or 0.8 ounces) of unsalted nuts per day. Walnuts are particularly satisfying and help curb hunger for hours. A good-quality walnut oil also makes a flavorful and brain-healthy vinaigrette.

Whether baked into brownies, stirred into  fesenjān or simply eaten as a snack, walnuts carry with them a long and sacred history—and powerful nourishment for the mind.

Photo credit Jessie le Come

FESENJĀN WITH CHICKEN OF THE WOODS MUSHROOMS, POMEGRANATE AND WALNUT

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

3.5 oz shelled walnuts

2 Tbsp olive oil, plus extra

1 red onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

½ Tbsp cinnamon powder

½ Tbsp cayenne pepper

7 oz cooked chickpeas

8.5 oz vegetable stock

3 Tbsp pomegranate syrup

1 Tbsp maple syrup

Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 lb chicken of the woods mushrooms

Seeds of ½ pomegranate

Cooked rice for serving

Heat a dry large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the walnuts. Toast for a few minutes until golden brown.

Briefly grind the walnuts in a food processor to a fine crumb.

In a tall, thick-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they begin to brown. Add the cinnamon powder and cayenne pepper, and sauté briefly.

Add the nut crumbs, chickpeas, vegetable stock, pomegranate syrup and maple syrup. Bring to the boil, then cover with a lid. Let simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, brush or rub the mushrooms clean. Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over high heat, and briefly fry the mush-

rooms until just al dente

Slice the mushrooms and place them on top of the nut stew. Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds. Serve with rice.

Wouter Bijdendijk is a Dutch anthropologist with more than 20 years of global fieldwork in ethnobotany and herbal medicine. For more information, visit WouterBijdendijk.org Joris Bijdendijk is a Michelin-starred chef and author, known for RIJKS at the Rijksmuseum and his restaurant Wils, in Amsterdam. For more information, visit JorisBijdendijk.nl.

Adapted from Plant Power: Heal Yourself with Medicinal Mushrooms, Roots, Flowers, and Herbs by Wouter and Joris Bijdendijk (Findhorn Press, October 2025; ISBN 9798888502693).

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Strong at Any Age

Embracing Resistance Training

During Menopause

by Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, bringing with it numerous physiological changes that can affect health, mobility and quality of life. Among these changes, declines in muscle mass, bone density and balance present particular challenges. Research suggests that resistance training is a safe and effective strategy to counteract these effects.

For women navigating perimenopause and menopause, it is not just a savvy fitness choice, but a crucial intervention to improve strength, balance, lean muscle mass and bone health, thereby reducing the risk of falls and injuries while supporting healthy aging.

Physiological Challenges of Menopause

Perimenopause can last for two to 10 years leading up to menopause, which is officially marked by 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and involves a natural decline in estrogen production. This hormonal shift accelerates loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis), both of which are critical factors for maintaining physical function and preventing injury.

“Once in menopause, we lose muscle and bone mass at a faster rate, so strength training helps counteract that loss,” explains Dr. Brenda Heinecke, physical therapist and pelvic floor specialist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Muscle weakness and decreased balance increase the risk of falls, a leading cause of injury in older adults, while reductions in lean body mass slow metabolism and contribute to weight gain.

Benefits of Resistance Training

Resistance training, also known as strength training, involves exercises that cause muscles to contract against an external force such as weights, resistance bands or body weight. Unlike aerobic exercise, which primarily benefits cardiovascular health, resistance training specifically targets muscle and bone strength.

A 2023 systematic review of 12 randomized controlled trials involving more than 800 women, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, reported that resistance training improved musculoskeletal health in menopausal women, highlighting its positive effects on muscle mass, bone density and functional outcomes like balance and mobility.

The authors noted that resistance training could effectively combat the muscle and bone loss accelerated by menopause, contributing to better overall health and reduced risk of fractures. They also found strength training to be positively associated with hormonal and metabolic improvements in menopausal women, including stabilized blood pressure and a reduction of hot flashes compared to inactive women in the studies.

Hip Strength and Fall Prevention

The hips play a vital role in balance and mobility, but hip strength diminishes significantly during menopause, affecting gait stability and increasing the likelihood of falls. A 2023 article in the Iranian Journal of Public Health reported on a Korean study of postmenopausal women that performed a variety of resistance exercises to target the large muscle groups of the lower body, including a band lateral walk, one-leg deadlift, side-lying hip abduction and squat deceleration, over the span of four weeks. The group that performed these resistance exercises significantly improved their gluteal muscle strength.

Lean Body Mass and Metabolic Health

Menopause-related declines in estrogen also contribute to reductions in lean body mass and increases in fat mass, which can negatively impact metabolism, insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health. “Strength training not only helps increase muscle and bone mass, but it helps with other common issues of menopause such as cardiovascular disease; insulin resistance; and impairments to mood, cognitive function and sexual health,” Heinecke remarks.

Resistance training helps to preserve and increase lean muscle mass, which in turn supports a healthy metabolic rate and reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes.

A 2023 BMC Women’s Health study of premenopausal women highlights that maintaining lean body mass through resistance exercise helps mitigate common menopausal symptoms such as weight gain and fat redistribution.

Balance and Functional Independence

Balance naturally deteriorates with age due to changes in the nervous system and muscle function. The 2023 review in Journal of Clinical Medicine reinforces that resistance training not only strengthens muscles, but also improves neuromuscular coordination, which is critical for maintaining balance and preventing falls. Exercises such as squats, lunges and step-ups challenge

both strength and balance systems, making them ideal components of a menopausal fitness program.

Starting a Resistance Training Program

Given its benefits, resistance training should be a cornerstone of menopausal health routines. However, many women may feel uncertain about how to begin or fear injury.

“My personal recommendation would be to join a fitness class or hire a personal trainer for a few sessions,” shares Victoria Morse, a certified fitness instructor in Kona, Hawaii. “For most people, lasting change can be hard to achieve alone—they need accountability. Once we accept this truth, our chance of success increases dramatically.”

For those that are ready to add strength training to their routine, begin with light resistance and focus on proper technique, gradually increasing weight or resistance as strength improves. Aim for two to three sessions per week, targeting major muscle groups with these exercises:

• Squats, lunges and step-ups for lower body and hip strength

• Push-ups or chest presses for upper body

HolisticCenter

• Rows and shoulder presses for back and shoulders

• Core stabilization exercises such as planks or medicine ball rotations

Menopause introduces complex challenges, but resistance training offers a scientifically supported solution to some of the most significant concerns: loss of hip strength, balance and lean body mass. For women facing menopause, lifting weights or using resistance bands is more than just a fitness trend; it is an essential strategy to maintain mobility, independence and vitality for years to come.

Jordan Peschek has a background in personal training, yoga instruction and mental health nursing. She publishes the Milwaukee and Twin Cities editions of Natural Awakenings.

Thursday, October 2, 7:00-8:00 pm Sound Bath

Sunday, October 12, 2:00-6:00 pm

Alien Agenda: Secret History of UFOs & ETs What Did Edgar Cayce Say?

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Saturday, October 18, 6:00-7:30 pm

Amazing Gong Journey

Saturday, October 25, 2:00=5:00 pm

Quantum Frequency Healing Aura Energy Healing

ENERGY

& HEALING ARTS NETWORK 2025

Connect, share and grow with Natural Awakenings Chicago’s Energy & Healing Arts Network (EHAN) — a dedicated monthly section designed for local practitioners and businesses to spotlight offerings, connect with our readers and foster meaningful connections.

Healing Light Wellness Center Introduces Energy Enhancement System

The Healing Light Wellness Center, in Buffalo Grove, now features the Energy Enhancement System (EESystem), a high-frequency, scalar wave, light therapy technology used to support the body’s natural self-healing on cellular, mental, emotional and energetic levels. The technology is reported to also be helpful for children and animals.

The center is owned by Liya Tsipis, who spent 20 years as a hairdresser before turning her focus to holistic wellness. She says finding EESystem technology was life-changing.

“I discovered an amazing scalar and light therapy technology, and that’s when my life changed. I went all in and never looked back.” She decided to open the Healing Light Wellness Center soon afterward.

Tsipis describes the technology as providing an environment for self-healing and emphasizes that personal engagement, intention, trust and surrender are all parts of the process. “I know it’s much easier said than done, but you are the healer and only you can change your health. The EESystem simply gives you the environment, and you do the rest,” she explains. Tsipis believes people are more than just a physical body, describing them as “energy, frequency and vibration compressed into human form.”

Location: 810 S. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove. For more information or to make an appointment, call 224-481-2055 or visit HealingLightWellnessCenter.com See listing on this page.

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Liya Tsipis

Photo courtesy

Rewiring the Stress Response

Therapies To Restore Balance and Calm

by Marlaina Donato

White-knuckling our way through life can be exhausting, but more than that, chronic strain can negatively impact brain function and even alter its physical structure. Continually recurring stressors can lead to impaired memory, emotional dysregulation, anxiety disorders and depression. When the nervous system gets stuck on overdrive, the body delays a variety of critical functions, including immune response and tissue repair, in order to deal with perceived emergencies.

Over time, the amygdala, an area within our brain that is responsible for processing fear and alerting us to danger, can become enlarged and hyperreactive, hardwiring us to be in a constant fight-or-flight mode. Prolonged stress of this nature can lead to excessive accumulation of cortisol in the brain, setting the stage for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

Gently reprogramming an overstimulated nervous system can initiate and improve cellular repair, nutrient absorption, sounder sleep and more tranquil moods. Restoration of the body’s natural capacity for calm is possible through noninvasive, painless approaches such as sound healing, craniosacral therapy and certain forms of acupressure.

Sound-Enabled Relaxation

“When we are under stress all the time, the autonomic nervous system gets out of balance, and the body cannot heal itself as it is intended to do,” explains Gail Lynn, the author of Unlocking the Ancient Secrets to Healing and inventor of the Harmonic Egg, which uses light, color and sound to provide an immersive relaxation experience.

In 2007, she faced a cardiovascular health crisis at age 37, which she attributes to three successive challenging careers and a stressful personal life over the span of many years. Lynn explored a number of alternative solutions, and with full-body sound-and-light sessions experienced a profound shift in her health and well-being. She attests that resetting her nervous system enabled her body to heal itself, making her life “100 percent better”.

Modern sound therapy has ancient roots in cultures worldwide. The use of tuning forks, therapeutic gongs, singing bowls, mantras, percussive hand instruments and binaural beats has been shown to synchronize brainwaves in a process called brainwave entrainment, resulting in a lowered stress response. Harvard Health notes that soothing tones can lower elevated blood pressure and promote healthier heart and respiratory rates, alleviating burden on the autonomic nervous system.

Restoring Internal Rhythms

Another way to switch off a state of perpetual survival mode is to restore balance to the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and most of the digestive tract. “Seventy percent of the traffic on the vagus nerve goes from the organs to the brain. Only 30 percent of the traffic goes from the brain to the organs, so it is much more a situation of the gut controlling the brain,” explains Tim Hutton, a craniosacral therapist and Upledger Institute instructor in Bellingham, Washington. Hutton underscores that the body can recuperate once it is able to shift out of fight-flight-or-freeze mode and into the ventral vagal state of rest-and-digest.

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Developed by John E. Upledger in the 1970s, craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle bodywork modality that seeks to restore the natural functioning of the membranes and fluids surrounding the spinal cord and brain. “There is a subtle, rhythmic motion of the tissue that we call the craniosacral rhythm that is easily disrupted. Any tension or compromise in the body’s ability to function will adversely affect the craniosacral rhythm,” says Hutton. “As a therapist, I support the client’s healing process and let their body lead.” CST releases tension in the craniosacral system, shifting the body to the rest-and-digest mode and enhancing vagus nerve function.

A 2020 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine of patients with complex traumas, including post-traumatic stress disorder, reported improvements in quality of life after receiving a combination of CST and psychotherapy. A 2023 randomized clinical trial published in Behavioral Sciences involving 57 healthy firefighting cadets showed a reduction of the stress hormone cortisol in participants that received CST sessions for five consecutive weeks.

Auricular Acupuncture

Stress and anxiety contribute to insomnia, which can cause even more stress. With roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, auricular therapy involves the stimulation of 120 acupoints in the ear that correspond to the nervous system and certain other parts of the body. The therapy is believed to

positively influence neurotransmitter activity, which facilitates the communication between brain cells, while also enhancing neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural pathways.

A 2023 systematic meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Sleep reported that auricular acupressure can be beneficial for insomnia. Ear seeds, a type of ear acupressure without needles, have also shown promise for anxiety and insomnia.

Persistence Is Key

By applying any one or a combination of these therapies, it is possible to experience more balance and calm. If a particular modality does not bring about the desired stress

relief, persist with another. “There is always hope,” says Hutton. “Most often, miracles are incremental.”

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com

Discover the Peace... Discover the Peace...

Giuseppe Lombardo from Getty Images Signature/CanvaPro

microgen from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Sustainable Halloween Costumes

Dressing up for Halloween is a fun way for kids and adults to express themselves, try on new personalities or celebrate their favorite movie characters, but the merriment may come with a hefty environmental price tag. Too many of us buy ready-made, fast-fashion costumes, wear them once and throw them away. Store-bought costumes tend to be made with unsustainable materials such as plastic and polyester, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, causing harmful microplastics to enter our waterways.

The eco-friendly alternative is to create a costume from items we already have or will use again. That means ditching the plastic, glitter and chemical-laden makeup. It is an opportunity to dial up our creativity and doit-yourself spirit.

• Check the closet, thrift stores and online marketplaces. Outgrown clothes can be

repurposed for a unique boho or witchy look. Layer items in unexpected combinations to make everyday garments take on new personalities. Mix colors. Add a vest. Tie a scarf around the head. Wear multiple hats and mismatched belts.

• Go natural for makeup or effects. Choose eco-friendly paints or natural dyes, including black tea, coffee, turmeric and paprika to color fabrics or decorate handmade, creative costumes. For witchy green skin, slather on a face mask. For rosy cheeks and lips, use a slice of beet to stain the skin. Blend vibrant, shimmery mineral powders for eyes, face or lips. Use eco-friendly face paint kits, such as those available at NaturalEarthPaint.com

• Use household items. Cardboard boxes embellished with foil scraps and reused lids make great robots, astronauts or knights in armor. A white sheet with

cut-out eyes is the quintessential ghost. Blankets and shower curtains can be fashioned into superhero capes.

• Swap or borrow. Get together with family and friends and choose from a pile of costumes from years gone by. Have fun tweaking them and making them new again.

• Handcraft a mask. Gather leaves, flowers, pinecones, feathers, acorns and other natural specimens, as well as paper bags, recycled paper, felt fabric and cardboard. Make a sturdy shape for the base of the mask and cut out an oval for the eyes, then glue the decorative elements. This is a great craft project for kids.

Eco-Friendly Costume Ideas

• Garden or Forest Fairy: Wear practice clothing from dance class and layer it with colorful scarves, fake plants, leaves and flowers. Cut wings out of poster board.

• Mother Nature: Wear something green and make a crown from pinecones, sticks or leaves.

• Bat or Owl: Make wings from an old umbrella and use fabric scraps for feathers.

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The Art of Letting Go

by Marlaina Donato

Watching the days shorten at this time of year can tug at our heartstrings. Even within the delightful blush of an apple lies an undeniable wistfulness. And although summer must surrender to autumn, each falling leaf signals an opportunity to let go of a burden we’ve outgrown—a home, a relationship, a dream or a particular version of ourselves.

No matter which side of a goodbye we happen to be on, leaving can be painful. Just as the green meadow goes to seed, so does what we hold precious, but a spark of life remains in each fading blade of grass. Endings can also be blessings, even if it takes months or years before their gifts become known.

Each chapter of the year offers its own delights and wisdom, but it is our human tendency to clutch each hour for as long as possible. We can miss a harvest of joys when we only wish to taste the fruits of another season. For the ancient Celtic people, the holy time of Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the start of a new year. It was deemed a mystical time when the veil between the dead and the living grew thin, as well as an invitation to revel in some magic.

Perhaps this year we can grieve the bright transience of summer while gathering our spiritual stores. Perhaps we can relish autumn’s sweetness despite the dance of decay, inviting a new chapter, a new mindset, as nature takes back its own.

Some rites of passage for inspiration:

• Gather a small handful of sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Take each seed in hand and name something that has been lost or relinquished. Place them beneath a tree or bury them underground, inviting a new year of blessings.

• Taking inspiration from the Celts, host a Samhain celebration on Halloween night commemorating the end of summer and the beginning of winter while setting a plate and chair in honor of a loved one that has passed.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

Calendar of Events

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Nat’l Bullying Prevention Month

Wednesday, October 1

World Vegetarian Day

Ramon from Mexico – Healing sessions ongoing through Oct 19. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

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

Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. Yoga for men, all levels welcome. Explore increased flexibility and movement, reduced stress, improved breathing, find your calm and your center. Mats provided. $20. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com.

Thursday, October 2

Int’l Day of Nonviolence

Friday, October 3

Green Cleaning Solutions Workshop – 10am-12pm. Learn all about natural, eco-friendly cleaners with Marcia Lautanen-Raleigh of Backyard Patch Herbs. Attendees will get to make and take home their own green cleaning solutions. Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette. GoGreenIllinois.org

Saturday, October 4

World Animal Day

Meet a Beekeeper – 10am-12pm. Meet local beekeeper Dade Bradley to discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot. Pick up specific beekeeping tips or simply learn more about the world of bees. Free. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. ReconnectWithNature.org

Crunchy Culture Fest – 10am-3pm. A holistic wellness festival and pop-up market. Features local vendors specializing in natural and organic food, holistic health, kids’ wellness and more. Honey House, 91 S Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills. CrunchyCulture. com/crunchycultureevents/fest

Table Thai Shiatsu – Oct 4-5. 10am-5pm. Workshop includes therapeutic and clinical applications using table shiatsu as its focus. The training’s goal is for the therapists to integrate movement, energetic channels and anatomical specificity into their existing work. 12 CEs. $300. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu

Harry Potter-Inspired Fragrance Sprays –3-4:30pm. Step into the magic of autumn and awaken your senses through scent and spirit. In this creative hands-on workshop, each guest will craft a 3-piece (2 oz) gift set of colorful sprays (Black, Green and Orange) each infused with shimmering mica and the power of essential oils. $50. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Sunday, October 5

Energy Efficiency Day

Reiki II – 9am-4pm. In this sacred and transformative 1-day immersion, receive the next level of reiki attunement, be introduced to the sacred symbols, and learn how to facilitate distance healing. With Reiki Master Teacher Tina McDonald. $150. The Agape House, 416 E Roosevelt Rd, Ste 107, Wheaton. 630-294-5225. Tinyurl.com/bdz63jk4

Family Fall Festival 2025 – 2-4pm. Collect and spread seeds from the native plants in the garden on a guided walk. Enjoy tree walks with local TreeKeepers. Will have snacks, crafts and activities for kids and staffed tables covering topics such as sustainable gardening, birding and dark skies. Gillson Park Bird Habitat, 751 Michigan Ave, Wilmette. GoGreenIllinois.org

Monday, October 6

Full Moon – Harvest Moon, Falling Leaves Moon

Qigong Three Treasures – 9am-4pm. Qigong incorporates gentle physical movements with breathing and awareness and is known as moving meditation. Learn the Classic Chinese Medicine concept of the Three Treasures as well as Three Treasures Qigong to balance and harmonize within oneself and the way we relate to one another, with nature and our living environment. 6 CEs. $150. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu

Putting Your Garden to Bed to Ensure Successful Gardening in 2026 – 6:30-8pm. Our speaker William Karges will outline how to prepare your garden for winter. With a focus on perennial gardens, learn what to cut down, how and when to cut plant material, and how to prevent this year’s problems from recurring in future years. Free. St John Lutheran Church, 7214 S Cass Ave, Darien. DarienGardenClub.com

Tuesday, October 7

World Habitat Day

Add A Little Prairie to Your Garden –7-8:30pm. Hosted by Crestview Garden Club. Community Bank of Elmhurst, 330 W Butterfield Rd, 2nd Fl, Elmhurst. CrestviewGardenClub.com

Wednesday, October 8

Bison Tales and Tallgrass Trails – 121:30pm. Hear how Illinois’ original garden, the tallgrass prairie, has been shaped by bison. Speaker: Cindy Crosby. The Community Foundations for McHenry County, 33 E Woodstock St, Crystal Lake. CountrysideGardenClub.org

Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See Oct 1 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com

SAVE THE DATE

Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the Teaching of Bruno Groening

6-7:30pm

A free lecture about a simple, cost-free way to attain help and healing through the teaching of Bruno Groening. Speakers: Guido Kury, MD, and Brigitte Schneider, Licensed Healing Practitioner, Germany.

Austin-Irving Chicago Public Library Meeting Room 6100 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago Bruno-Groening.org

MenLiving: Where Men Find Connection and Support – 6:30pm. With Dan Bulf. Provides online and in-person spaces for men to craft healthier, more fulfilling lives. Free. Heaven Meets Earth, 2746 Central St, Evanston. Tinyurl.com/56t58pfj

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns – Oct 8-12, 15-19, 22-26. 6:30-10:30pm. Features more than 1,000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins along a family-friendly, paved outdoor path. Enjoy live carving demonstrations, costumed entertainers and seasonal light fare and drinks available for purchase. Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe. ChicagoBotanic.org/halloween

Thursday, October 9

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

Friday, October 10

World Mental Health Day

Beginning Zen Shiatsu: 2 Weekend Intensive – Oct 10-12 & 17-19. 7-10pm, Fri; 9:30am4:30pm, Sat & Sun. Learn how to give a basic 1-hr shiatsu treatment that you can share with friends and family. Course is a standalone 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.edu

Saturday, October 11

Nat’l Day of Coming Out Fall Fair – Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Holistic Pre-Natal and Postpartum Massage – Oct 11-12. 9am-4pm. Join Sarah McLaughlin, licensed massage therapist and certified practitioner of “Bodywork for the Childbearing Year,” for this foundational course in Pregnancy Massage. 12 CEs. $300. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu

Overcoming Adversity: Guided Meditation Retreat – 10am-4pm. Life can be very difficult. Fortunately, Buddhist psychology and meditations offer effective methods to help navigate life’s hardships. Each session of this retreat will include practical instruction and guided meditations, with time for questions in the final session. No previous experience needed. All welcome. Guest Teacher Kadam Lucy James. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Oak Park, 13 Harrison St, Oak Park. 708-767-1898. MeditateInChicago.org

Mercado de Intercambio – 11am-3pm. Hollow Borrow. Bring those old costumes you no longer fit in and let someone else enjoy them. Davis Square Park, corner of 45th and Marshfield, Chicago. PlantChicago.org

Living Your Soul Purpose in Turbulent Times: Explore Your Soul Age Through Past Lives – 1-4pm. In this online workshop, learn about your: Soul age, Soul type, Soul mission; obstacles to full expression of your talents and gifts in this lifetime Also experience a group past life regression to discover talents and gifts related to your soul purpose that have been carried into this lifetime. With Susan Wisehart. $45, $40/TS members. Register: Tinyurl.com/z97ya5ju SusanWisehart.com.

ONLINE: Chicago IANDS – 2pm. Support/ study/resource forum for near-death, outof-body and spiritual experiences, losses. Guest Speaker: Sarah Murray, NDEr, teacher of autistic adults and children, lives in service to others. 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

SAVE THE DATE

Documentary Film: The Phenomenon Bruno Groening Part 1 2-3:45pm

A deeply impressive film that contains archival footage and eye-witness interviews about the “Miracle Healer,” Bruno Groening, and the thousands of healings that occurred in 1950s Germany after he simply spoke to crowds of help seekers. Phenomenal healings, medically verified by physicians, continue to occur today in the Bruno Groening Circle of Friends. Some viewers report being freed of pain or other ailments while attending the film showing. Admission free; donations appreciated. Chicago Public Library 644 W Belmont Ave, Chicago Bruno-Groening.org

Small Businesses that Advertise in NA Chicago

Sunday, October 12

SAVE THE DATE

Illuminate Naperville 10am-5pm

Features vetted intuitive readers, crystals, essential oils, original art, energy healing including reiki, crystal jewelry, luxurious spa products, handmade gifts, free workshops and more.

Chicago Marriott Naperville 1801 N Naper Blvd, Naperville. IlluminateFestivals.com

Strong & Fearless in a Hopeless World – 11am-12:30pm. During this special event, Guest Teacher Kadam Lucy will share special insights from Buddha’s teachings that give us many reasons to feel hopeful and deeply encouraged despite our many problems; she will also guide helpful meditations and share practical methods to help us become strong and fearless in busy, daily life. No previous experience needed. All welcome. Chicago Theater Works, 1113 W Belmont Ave, Chicago. MeditateInChicago.org

Alien Agenda: Secret History of UFOs & ETs – 2-6pm. Dr. Kolodziej, aka Dr. K, will discuss the secret history of Earth and extraterrestrial visitors. Also learn what Edgar Cayce said about UFOs and ETs, the real history of our mysterious moon, anti-gravity flying ships, underground alien bases, 4 main alien races and their agendas, why government denies UFOs, and why disclosure is imminent. $55. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Monday, October 13

Indigenous People’s Day

Tuesday, October 14

Dragonflies and Damselflies: The Garden’s Frequent Fliers – 1-2:30pm. Hosted by the Garden Club of Park Forest. St. Mary’s Church, 227 Monee Rd, Park Forest. VillageOfParkForest.com

Tranquil Harmony: Scalp Therapy & Sound Bath with Reiki – 4:30-7pm. Experience the perfect blend of soothing touch, healing sound and reiki energy. Be treated to a luxurious scalp therapy that includes a gentle yet deeply relieving head, shoulder, neck, arm and hand massage, melting away layers of stress and tension. Space limited to 8. $175. Scalpology Professional Scalp Therapy & Spa, 1121 Butterfield Rd, Wheaton. Tinyurl.com/5jy5rj8w

Wednesday, October 15

Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See Oct 1 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com

SAVE THE DATE

Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the Teaching of Bruno Groening 6-7:30pm

A free lecture about a simple, cost-free way to attain help and healing through the teaching of Bruno Groening. Speakers: Guido Kury, MD, and Brigitte Schneider, Licensed Healing Practitioner, Germany. Free. Sulzer Regional Library 4455 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago. Bruno-Groening.org

Thursday, October 16

World Food Day

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

Whooo Lives Here? – 6-8pm. Do you have too many rodents in your yard? Maybe it’s time for you to start attracting owls to your backyard habitat. Learn about the nesting habits of screech owls and then build a nest box that you will get to install at your home. $20. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. Register by Oct 14: 708-946-2216 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Mocktober at Isle a la Cache – 6:308:30pm. Meet at the museum to view the exhibits and then join naturalists for a guided experience along our trails to trick or treat for some mocktails. End the night by relaxing around the campfire. $5. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. Registration by Oct 14: 815-722-9301 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Feed Your Soul Gestalt Group – 7-9:30pm. 3rd Thurs thru Dec 18. Share joys and disappointments in a safe environment without judgment. As the horses support you through the process, participants experience the life changing, deep healing of Gestalt therapy. $45. Soulful Prairies, 4706 Alden Rd, Woodstock. 847-366-6743. SoulfulPrairies.com

Friday, October 17

SAVE THE DATE

25th Annual Wise Traditions Conference – Oct 17-19

Sponsored by the Weston A. Price Foundation. Includes 40 speakers and 70 exhibits plus farm-to-table meals. Reasonable rates, which include conference meals and special 1-, 2- or 3-day passes, plus reduced rates for 20 and younger. Salt Lake City, Utah. Info & register: WiseTraditions.org

Oh Deer! – 5-6:30pm. As the days get shorter, the forest gets busier. Squirrels scurry to cache their winter food; birds are bulking up for migration and deer are showing off their antlers. Bring binoculars to get a closeup of the busy wildlife. Free. O’Hara Woods Preserve, 1034 W 135th St, Romeoville. Register by Oct 15: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Witches Night Out – 6pm. Enjoy a magical evening featuring reiki, tarot, massage, aura readings, shopping, bites and elixirs, and so much more. Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge. 847-696-7560. AshWillowSalon.com/thenest

Insights From Your Akashic Records –6-9pm. With Karen Ziemek. Connect with your Akashic Records, a storehouse of all information for every individual who has ever lived on the Earth. $45/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Saturday, October 18

Free 4 All – 9am-12pm. 3rd Sat. A garage sale where everything is free. Unity Spiritual Center of Woodstock, 225 W Calhoun St, Woodstock. 815-337-3534. UnityWoodstock.org

Sound Therapy Basics – 2-4pm. Immerse yourself in the soothing power of sound and discover how it can restore balance to your mind, body and spirit. In this interactive workshop, Eve Muir-Wilson of Well Intentions Energy will guide you through the fascinating world of sound therapy. $55. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Sunday, October 19

Face Yoga – 9:30am. With Maya. Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge. 847-696-7560. AshWillowSalon.com/thenest

Wild Oaktober – 1:30-3:30pm. Learn to recognize an oak tree, find out why they are so important, and leave understanding what you can do to help restore the oak ecosystem. You may even go home with your very own Oak sapling compliments of Bartlett Tree Experts or learn how to plant an acorn to grow your own tree. The exhibits at this walk-up event include education, crafts, games and more. Free. Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Rd, Darien. Tinyurl.com/y5ssp66d

Be

Sunrise Hike – 6:30-8am. What better way to start your day than breathing the crisp morning air while watching the sunrise in the prairie. Get early access into the preserve and join other early birds in this brisk morning hike. Free. Prairie Bluff Preserve, Renwick Rd, east of Weber Rd, Crest Hill. Register by Oct 17: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Monday, October 20

Di’wali (Hinduism)

Tuesday, October 21

New Moon – Moon of Return of Little Cold

Wednesday, October 22

Barn Owl Oddities – 3:30-6pm. Tour Tempest Farm, a conservation easement with a historical barn and other outbuildings, then discover whoooo rules the night as we delve into the adaptations that make barn owls exceptional nocturnal hunters. Uncover their remarkable hunting prowess then get hands-on by dissecting an owl pellet to reveal the remnants of their meals. Transform these fascinating findings into unique keepsakes. Age 21+. BYOB. $5. Tempest Farm, W4355 Mohawk Rd, Lake Geneva, WI. Register by Oct 20: 815-722-4121 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See Oct 1 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com

Taste of Nature: American Lotus Flower –6-7:15pm. This big, beautiful, fragrant flower has wilted, but now the roots are ripe and ready for harvesting. Learn about this native aquatic plant, a historical food of our region. After a brief presentation, the tasting will begin. The roots and perhaps the seeds will be prepared in a variety of dishes for you to try. Not a substitute for dinner, but a small sample of each dish will be available. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by Oct 21: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Thursday, October 23

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

Friday, October 24

Int’l Day of Climate Action United Nations Day

Saturday, October 25

Gua Sha Class – 10am-5pm. A rubbing technique applied to the surface of the skin with a smooth tool resulting in drawing out stagnation and stimulating the connective tissues. Class reviews the benefits and different procedures, as well as protocol for treating a variety of diseases. 6 CEs. $150. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu

Quantum Frequency Healing – 2-5pm. Harmonize the frequencies of your energy bodies with Eve Muir-Wilson. Eve works in the Quantum field using intuitively channeled, high dimensional frequencies such as light and sound frequencies, Lemurian light language and light codes, and more. Session includes setting intentions, guided meditation and energy healing. $45/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-2996535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Sunday, October 26

Orienteering: A Quest into the Woods – 8:30-10am. Join us while we “get lost” in hopes of finding some lost treasure on our property. Learn how to use a compass and map before we embark on our adventure. $5. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. Register by Oct 21: 708-946-2216 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Monday, October 27

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

Tuesday, October 28

Sustainability Day

Tap into the Gut-Brain Connection –5-7pm. Heal your gut by healing the brain with Brain Tap. Now with our full-body experience in our new inHarmony Zero G chair. First 50 to pre-register will receive  Self Health: Reverse Chronic Disease by Dr. Fabrizio Mancini. Free admission. Health Clarified, 2165 A Shermer Rd, Northbrook. 224-344-8668. Pre-register: HealthClarifiedNow.com

Wednesday, October 29

Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See Oct 1 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com

Thursday, October 30

Samhain: Wheel of the Year Class –7-8:30pm. With Kate. During our Wheel of the Year celebration, we will learn about the Celtic traditions surrounding Samhain as well as share ways to honor the ancestors with an ancestral themed alter. We will do a group meditation followed some crafting, herbal work and journaling. $60. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Friday, October 31

Halloween

Samhain (Wiccan)

Saturday, November 1

SAVE THE DATE

17th Annual Green Living Expo 10am-3pm

Enjoy interactive opportunities, including renewable energy and solar displays, composting demonstrations, green home solutions, eco-gift shopping and tours of the college’s student farm and new buildings.

McHenry County College 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake McHenry.edu/greenexpo

SAVE THE DATE

McHenry County Repair Fair 11am-2pm

Volunteers of all repair skill levels are welcome, from novice hobbyists to experienced technicians. Fair aims to expand repair services to include jewelry, eyeglasses and potentially musical instruments, alongside returning offerings such as bicycle, small appliance, clock, fabric and lamp repairs.

McHenry County College 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake

To volunteer, Kim or Ashley: KHankins@McHenry.edu McHenry.edu/greenexpo

Saturday, November 8

SAVE THE DATE

Woodstock Spiritual Summit Holistic Fair

Nov 8-9

10am-6pm, Sat; 10am-5pm, Sun Immerse yourself in a wide range of workshops that will teach you how to nurture your body, mind and soul. Explore our diverse vendor offerings in the spiritual and holistic fields and discover natural ways to care for your body through activities like yoga and meditation.

$8/day; $15/weekend pass.

Unity Spiritual Center of Woodstock

225 W Calhoun St, Woodstock 815-337-3534

UnityWoodstock.org

Saturday, November 15

SAVE THE DATE

Wellness, Body, Mind & Spirit Expo

Nov 15-16

10am-4pm

Celebrate wellness at this dynamic event featuring the latest in alternative and holistic health. Discover doctors, providers, coaches, psychics, astrologers, artists and more. $8; free admission for veterans and kids under 12. Vendor booths available.

Holiday Inn Milwaukee River Front 4700 N Port Washington Rd Milwaukee, WI 414-349-4932

WellnessBodyMindSpirit.com

Friday, November 21

SAVE THE DATE

Union Pier Retreat: Inner Peace & Healing Yoga Retreat

Nov 21-23

With Lisa Faremouth-Weber. Enjoy a beautiful weekend of nature, yoga, healing, vegan food, friendship and fun. Release, let go, open and connect to the love in your heart and the Goddess in your soul. Details: HeavenMeetsEarthYoga.com

Friday, January 23, 2026

SAVE THE DATE

Glisten Winter Wellness Retreat

Jan 23-25

Reignite your inner light at this immersive 3-day retreat featuring movement, music, creativity and self-evolving workshops at the newly renovated Lake Lawn Resort. Includes lodging, meals, sound baths, ecstatic dance and an interactive music experience with Georgia Rae. Early bird registrants receive free Thursday night lodging. $1,999. 2400 E Geneva St, Delavan, WI 847-722-9653 MoonBeaman.com

Ongoing Events

Daily

1:1 Private Yoga Tune Up Instruction –Roll Model Method, Mental Performance and Functional Movement Screening. Virtual or In-Person (Wheaton or Chicago). JulieMackey.com.

Wild Onion Market Co-op – 8am-8:30pm. Offering fresh, local and sustainably sourced food 7 days a week. Wild Onion Market, 7007 N Clark St, Chicago. WildOnionMarket.com

Woods Walk – Thru Nov 30. 8am-8pm. Experience 10 beautiful Will County trails during their fall splendor. Trails range from 0.5-3 miles in length, and each trail offers its own unique experience. Free. Deadline to submit completed travel log: Dec 7. Details: ReconnectWithNature.org

Sign-By-Sign Sensory Hike – Thru Oct 31. 10am-4pm. Start at the trailhead of Snapper Pond Trail then follow the directions on the signs to experience a fully immersive hike. Free. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. ReconnectWithNature.org

Healing Music Sessions – 1-6pm, Sat/Sun; 9am-6pm, Mon-Thurs. Life Rhythms helps those in assisted living homes, memory loss facilities and private residences participate in making and sharing music on an individual and group level 7 days a week. The 1-hr sessions, inclusive of all instruments, improve hand-eye coordination, stimulate cognitive abilities and promote wellness. LifeRhythmsInc.com

Naturally Purifying and Supercharging Your Body Podcast – 7-7:45pm. Matthew Hazen is the owner of Human Consciousness Support, a company that produces a unique nutraceutical product called MasterPeace. Free. BuzzSprout.com/1206776/14236700

Sunday

Chicago Meditation Center of Self-Realization Fellowship Services – 9am, Energization Exercises; Kirtan held the 4th Sun, 9-10:40am; 9:30-10:40am, Yoga Meditation; 11am-12pm, Reading Service. 946 N Harlem Ave, River Forest. 708-366-0140. ChicagoMeditationCenter.org

Glenwood Sunday Market  – Thru Oct 26. 9am-2pm. Glenwood Ave between Morse & Lunt Aves, Rogers Park. GlenwoodSundayMarket.rpba.org

Revive and Restore – 10am. With Dan Bulf. Burn Boot Camp Evanston, 9412 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. Tinyurl.com/y9avumwf

Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – 10-11:30am. Join us for weekly Kundalini yoga classes to work your body, relieve your mind and uplift your spirit. Schedule: Mon & Wed, 9:30am; Sat: 6pm; Sun: 10am & 4:30pm. All levels. $21. Inspire Yoga & Wellness Center, 1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 208, Elk Grove Village. 312-593-4366. InspireYogaWellness.com

Rocio Sagrado at the Farmers Market+ at the Dole – 10am-2pm. Truly handmade, 100% pure skincare, balms, deodorants, soaps, aromatherapeutic fragrances and roll-ons, and insect repellent made with plants and flowers from our garden. Farmers Market+ at the Dole Mansion, 400 Country Club Rd, Crystal. FarmersMarketAtTheDole.org

Free Aura Reading – 10:30-11:45am. Also Sat, 11:15am-12:15pm. Learn more about your chakra energy system and manifest your dreams. Body & Brain, 1947 Cherry Ln, Northbrook. RSVP: 847-562-9642. BodyNBrain.com/northbrook

Musical Brunch – 11am-2pm. Also Sat. Featuring local talents. Madame Zuzu’s, 1876 1st St, Highland Park. Details: LifeRhythmsInc.com

5Rthyms Ecstatic Dance – 1-2:30pm. With Clay Henley. A dynamic practice to both workout and meditate in the same breath. Class pass or $30/drop-in. Heaven Meets Earth, 2746 Central St, Evanston. 847-475-1500. HeavenMeetsEarthYoga.com

Hot Power – 3pm. With Dan Bulf. CorePower Yoga Winnetka, 850 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka. Tinyurl.com/zrx62jbd

Live Music at The Fat Shallot – 3-6pm. $10 suggested donation. The Fat Shallot, 2902 Central St, Evanston. LifeRhythmsInc.com.

C1 Foundations – 4:30pm. With Dan Bulf. CorePower Yoga Winnetka, 850 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka. Tinyurl.com/zrx62jbd

Sound Bath & Yoga Nidra – 6pm. With Rebecca. Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge. 847-696-7560. AshWillowSalon.com/ thenest.

Monday

Community Yoga  – 7pm. With Mary Lou. Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge. 847-696-7560. AshWillowSalon.com/thenest

Open Level Yoga – 7:30-9pm. With Agnieszka Poniedzialki. In Polish and English. $20. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com

ONLINE: Ascension Tribe Weekly Monday Night Energy Tune-Up – 8pm. Zoom. Register for free: TryAscensionTribe.com.

Tuesday

Rocio Sagrado at the Woodstock Farmers Market – 8am-1pm. Truly handmade, 100% pure skincare, balms, deodorants, soaps, aromatherpeutic fragrances and roll-ons, and insect repellent made with plants and flowers from our garden. Woodstock Farmers Market, 112 S Benton St, Woodstock. WoodstockFarmersMarket.org

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

Mobility and Mental Performance for Athletes  – 5pm. Also Thurs. With Julie Mackey. Major Sports Performance, 929 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton. Register: MajorSportsIL.com/recovery.

Double Gong – 6:30pm. 2nd Tues. Experience deep relaxation with sound healing. Yogi Tea served in our beautiful The Breathing Space studio. $30. Heaven Meets Earth Yoga Studio, 2746 Central St, Evanston. HeavenMeetsEarthYoga.com

Dinner With the Doctors: Health Classes – 6:30-7:30pm. 2nd & 4th Tues. New to our practice and wanting to see if we are the right fit? Returning patient wanting to understand more deeply what you’ve been experiencing? Enjoy demonstrations and time for Q+A with the docs to learn and experience how they work. Free dinner provided; RSVP required in order for food to be prepared. Free. Be Optimal Holistic Health Center, 5225 Old Orchard Rd, Ste 31, Skokie. 847-486-8000. BeOptimal.com.

Group Silent Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm & 7:35-8:35pm. Silent group meditation in a quiet, secular space that welcomes all walks of life. The center is our labor of love and your presence is deeply appreciated as we share an hour of silence together. Optional donation. Camino Wellness Center, 401 S Milwaukee Ave, Ste 230, Wheeling. 224-300-0499. CaminoWellnessCenter.com

Community Meditation – 7-8pm. Doors close at 7:05pm. Different topics each week. Facilitator changes weekly. Walk-ins welcome. Love donation. Sacred Ground, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

Monthly Women’s Circle – 7:30-9pm. 1st Tues. A monthly gathering to celebrate the Sacred Feminine, to unite in sisterhood and community. We create a safe circle of compassion, healing and joy. Where we open our hearts to life and one another, share anything that needs to be shared, provide generous listening to our sisters, meditate, sing, dance, and create community and friendships. Free; graciously accepting donations. RSVP preferred but not required. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-430-3115. NSHealing.com.

Calling Athletes – 8-8:55pm. Improve mental conditioning and mobility with meditation and Roll Model Method (myofascial release) with Julie Mackey, E-RYT 500 and Mental Performance Coach. $25/ class. Major Sports Performance, 929 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton. Registration required: 630-349-2581. JulieMackey.com

Wednesday

Green City Market: Lincoln Park – 7am1pm. Lincoln Park, 1817 N Clark St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org

Ravinia Farmers Market – Thru Oct 29. 7am-1pm. Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave, Highland Park. RaviniaFarmersMarket.com

Rocio Sagrado at the Ravinia Farmers Market – 7am-1pm. Truly handmade, 100% pure skincare, balms, deodorants, soaps, aromatherapeutic fragrances and roll-ons, and insect repellent made with plants and flowers from our garden. Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave, Highland Park. RavinaFarmersMarket.com

Farm on Ogden Market – 11am-5pm. WedSat. Indoor year-round market. 3555 W Ogden Ave, Chicago. ChicagoBotanic.org/ urbanagriculture/farm_on_ogden

Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. Yoga for men, all levels welcome. Explore increased flexibility and movement, reduced stress, improved breathing, find your calm and your center. Mats provided. $20. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com

Open-Level Yoga – 7-8:15pm. Also Sat, 9-10:15am. With Gosia. In Polish and English. $22. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com

Thursday

What Do You Like to Eat? – 8am-5pm. Persons who live in Chicagoland, ages 20-79 years who can be counted as members of 13 cultural communities, are asked to meet with a researcher for both a 1-to1 interview and a survey on what they like to eat. The researcher will meet you in your community. Total time will not exceed one hour. Free. For details, Carey: PayneWellnessCenter.abmp.com

Shiatsu Student Clinic – 9:30 & 10am. At our popular Advanced Student Clinic, clients can receive a 45-min session from an advanced Zen Shiatsu student. Sessions are performed in a group setting with instructor observation. Availability limited; call for appointments. Sessions must be paid in advance. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsu.edu

Tarot Readings – 4-8pm. With Lisa Maria. Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge. 847-696-7560. AshWillowSalon.com/thenest

Mobility and Mental Performance for Athletes  – 5pm. With Julie Mackey. Major Sports Performance, 929 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton. Register: MajorSportsIL.com/recovery

Hot Power – 5:30pm. With Dan Bulf. CorePower Yoga Winnetka, 850 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka. Tinyurl.com/zrx62jbd

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

CoreRestore – 7pm. With Dan Bulf. CorePower Yoga Winnetka, 850 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka. Tinyurl.com/zrx62jbd

Friday

AstroAshtanga – 8-9:15am. Do you love strength, stretching and astrology? Try this strong physical and energetic practice. $25. Kaizen House, 1321 Emerson St, Evanston. KaizenHouse.org.

Saturday

Deerfield Farmers Market – Thru Oct 11. 7am-12:30pm. Park Ave between Jewett Park Dr and Hazel Ave.  Deerfield.il.us/301/ Farmers-Market.

Green City Market: Lincoln Park – 7am1pm. Lincoln Park, 1817 N Clark St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org

All-Levels Vinyasa – 8am. With Dan Bulf. Heaven Meets Earth, 2746 Central St, Evanston. 847-475-1500. HeavenMeetsEarthYoga.com.

Green City Market: West Loop – Thru Nov. 8am-1pm. 900 W Monroe St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org

Open Level Yoga – 9-10:15am. With Gosia. In Polish and English. $22. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com.

Free Aura Reading – 11:15am-12:15pm. See Sun listing. Body & Brain, 1947 Cherry Ln, Northbrook. RSVP: 847-562-9642. BodyNBrain.com/northbrook

Classifieds

Classifieds can help you sell goods and services and even attract employees for your business.

YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/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

For Hire

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

For Rent/ Space Available

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

Help Wanted

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

Psychic Life Coach

GAIN CLARITY: TAROT MASTER/CERTIFIED LIFE COACH – One phone session with Psychic Ralph delivers the same insights as months of therapy. Past Life Regression also offered. Affordable Canadian pricing. 5-star Google rating.  PsychicRalph.ca

Services

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

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. 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 312-796-3965

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 specialize in resolving chronic pain including Fibromyalgia and Peripheral Neuropathy; severe chronic allergies for adults and children; fertility; autoimmune conditions; anxiety/depression; cosmetic acupuncture (anti-aging). To learn more about our clinic you can follow us on our YouTube channel: Dr.Lana@Nirvana AIM and Instagram: @nirvanaacu. Major insurance carriers accepted. Call 847-715-9044 to schedule your consultation so we can help you feel your best!

Bodywork

BECKY’S HEALING TOUCH AND SOUND

610 W Roosevelt Rd, Wheaton 60187 224-612-2400

RPMassage08@gmail.com

MassageBook.com/therapists/becky-shealing-touch-and-sound

With 17 years of experience in massage therapy and 2 years in sound healing, I offer separate, specialized services to support physical and emotional well-being. My massage practice focuses on therapeutic, client-centered care, while my sound healing sessions create a restorative space for relaxation, balance and inner alignment.

HEALTH CLARIFIED

Dr. Kimberly Henderson, DC 2165A Shermer Rd, Northbrook 60062 224-344-8668

HealthClarified.com

We take wellness to a deep level by combining alternative medicine modalities aimed at removing the obstacles that get in the way of your body's ability to heal. Therapies include red light, SoftWave and BrainTap; plus comprehensive bodywork and exercises, functional medicine, HBOT, Lymphatic Enhancement, EWOT, PEMF, footbaths, holistic skincare treatments and Synchronicity Wave System. See ads on pages 9, 19 and 41.

ZEN SHIATSU CHICAGO

825 Chicago Ave, Evanston 60202 847-864-1130

ZenShiatsuChicago.edu

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.

Animal Communication

ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR

CAROL SCHULTZ

815-531-2850

Carol@CarolSchultz.com

CarolSchultz.com

Animal communications and intuitive healing for over 25 yrs. Carol provides compassionate and insightful consultations along with creator-based energy balancing for all animal species. Assistance with emotional, behavioral, health, harmony, end-of-life, grief support and connections with animals in spirit. Professional phone sessions, barn visits and special events. Optional MP3 recordings. Gift certificates. Lectures, Basic/Advanced workshops.

Community & Practitioner Communities

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.

CRUNCHY CULTURE

Jane Ulitskaya

Jane@CrunchyCulture.com

CrunchyCulture.com

@CrunchyCultureCHI

Created by a Chicagoland mom, Crunchy Culture is a local community built around natural living and holistic wellness. Guided by a mission to help folks make meaningful connections, Crunchy Culture hosts in-person events throughout the Chicago area and has a network of local businesses and partners that align with the group’s interests.

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, 9 and 35.

Education

CONCORDIA

UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN

School of Pharmacy

CUW.edu/NPS

Take the next step toward a career that makes a difference! Discover your future in Natural Product Sciences with our flexible graduate programs. Choose from a 30-credit online master’s degree or a 12-credit graduate certificate, both designed to fit your life and goals. Specialize in medical cannabis or nutraceuticals, and prepare for exciting roles in healthcare, pharmacy, research and development, manufacturing, business and beyond. See ad on page 43.

Energy, Reiki & Sound Healing

HARMONIC EGG-NAPERVILLE

1801 N Mill St, Ste L, Naperville 60563 630-780-0193

HarmonicEgg-Naperville.com

Visit our center to experience the patented Harmonic Egg—a relaxing, non-invasive therapy using light and sound to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and calm your nervous system. Clients report better sleep, less stress and improved healing. Also available: state-of-the-art Hyperbaric Oxygen chamber. Use promo code NATURALAWAKENINGS20 to save 20% off services for Harmonic Egg. See ad on page 31.

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, abun-dance or protect your energy from EMFs. Let me intuitively find the perfect gemstones for your needs or fine tune your energy to thrive.

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 whole-body 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, state-of-the-art technology and the best natural supplements. These methods accelerate your ways to optimum health and prevent the development of serious chronic diseases.

INTEGRAL MED

340 W Butterfield Rd, Ste 3C, Elmhurst 60126

847-840-1806 • IntegralMed.us

Integral Med is a multidisciplinary medical practice that specializes in treating chronic health conditions by blending natural approaches and biohacking technologies. We help conditions such as fatigue, hormone imbalances, toxin removal, metabolism dysfunctions, gastrointestinal and autoimmune diseases and much more. Cutting-edge wellness therapies include HOCATT Sauna, Superhuman Protocol, Vibroacoustic Electromagnetic therapy, Ballancer Pro Lymphatic Suit, Acupuncture, Thermography and much more. See ad on page 37.

Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree. —Emily Bronte

Garden and Native Plant Resources

POSSIBILITY PLACE NURSERY

7548 W Monee-Manhattan Rd, Monee 60449

708-534-3988

PossibilityPlace.com

Environmentally focused. Ecologically minded. Possibility Place Nursery has been Chicagoland’s native plant purveyor since 1983. We specialize in growing native plants from locally sourced ecotypes to increase biodiversity and improve ecological function of vast wild areas to small urban backyards, alike. We look forward to building habitat with you.

Healthy Home Inspection & Construction

HOLISTIC DWELLINGS LLC

Making Your Home a Sanctuary For Healing

John Lack: Certified Building Biologist, Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist, Environmental Consultant

HolisticDwellingsLLC.com

Your home’s environment has a dramatic effect on your health. Electro-magnetic radiation, mold, geopathic stress, ion balance, VOCs, all affect the human body at the cellular level. Nature is the gold standard in which a healthy human-built indoor environment must be measured. Holistic Dwellings; EMF Assessment & Mitigation/New Build Consultant.

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 and partials.

INTEGRATIVE DENTAL HEALTH

87 S McLean Blvd, South Elgin 60177

847-737-9109

IDH4U.com

Offering the highest quality holistic dental care possible for total body health. From biocompatible materials, to eliminating disease in the mouth and improving sleep quality, you can expect more than just a dental office. As Safe Cutting-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.

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.

SIMONA BAREKET, DDS

HP SMILES DENTAL

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

HPSmilesDental.com

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

WRIGLEYVILLE DENTAL

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-daycrowns 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 state-of-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.

Home Services

ALLUME FOUNDATION

Jody Casden, Home Organizer Chicagoland & Illinois River Valley 847-989-5721

AllumeFoundation@gmail.com

What’s good for the home, is good for the heart. Our approach to space is conscientiousness and attention to detail, because we care. Make your space serve you well once again. Reach your goals quickly and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Proceeds support our mission and a schoolhouse renovation near Starved Rock State Park.

REFACING PROS, INC

David Casden, Owner  888 E Belvidere Rd, Ste 412,  Grayslake 60030 847-520-9763

RefacingPros.com

Could your kitchen or bathroom use an upgrade? Look and feel like new for a fraction of the cost. Refacing is a great green option. We will beat any competition for quality and value. Family owned and operated for over 25 years. We support Made in USA. Call today.

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

Intuitive Coaching

OUTRAGEOUS LIBERATION

Danya Levinsohn

Danya@OutrageousLiberation.com

OutrageousLiberation.com

Are you ready for transformation? The energy shifts are rapidly advancing. Let me assist you in discovering your true authentic self. I provide Intuitive Empowerment Coaching sessions for individuals wanting change and growth or experiencing challenges as a spiritual being having a human experience. Are you ready to live your best life right now?

Intuitive Consultation

HEATHER FAUN BASL

Intuitive, Medium & Healer

312-502-1539

Heather@HeatherFaunBasl.com

HeatherFaunBasl.com

Heather offers phone and text readings, mediumship, and remote energy healing to help you find clarity, peace, and direction. She bridges the spiritual and physical realms, offering connection, insight, support, healing and guidance tailored to your soul’s unique journey. 22 years of experience.

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 39.

Martial Arts

AMERICAN TIGER KARATE

ACADEMY

1031 Bonaventure Dr, Elk Grove Village 60007

847-593-6390

AmericanTigerKarate.org

Traditional Japanese Martial Arts since 1995. Authentic Shotokan Karate and Okinawan Kobudo, excellent for self-defense, but also connecting mind, body and spirit. Training exercises performed with mindfulness and proper breathing improve neuroplasticity while building quick reflexes, stance stability, balance and coordination.

Meditation & Spiritual Centers

CHICAGO MEDITATION CENTER OF SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP 946 N Harlem Ave, River Forest 60305 ChicagoMeditationCenter.org/ srflessons.org

Experience the power of spiritual community. All are welcome to join weekly inspirational services with yoga meditation each Sunday. Paramahansa Yogananda (18931952) founded Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920 to make available the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millennia ago in India. See ad on page 43.

Medium, Psychic & Chakra

PSYCHIC READINGS GLENVIEW

2834 Golf Rd, Glenview 60025 847-470-0049

PsychicsReadingsGlenview.com

Discover the transformative power of psychic healing. In one session, Psychic Sarah can unlock your dormant healing energy and guide you towards a path of true rejuvenation and self-discovery. 30+ years’ experience in psychic, tarot and astrology readings, chakra balancing and spiritual counsel. New clients save 50% on first visit.

Men’s Health & Wellness

CHICAGO MALE CLINIC

Jerry Garcia, PA-C 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago 60646

773-414-9900 • ChicagoMaleClinic.com

Coming in November

Chicago Male Clinic (CMC) is a holistic health and wellness center for men providing a natural integrated approach to improving men’s sexual health. CMC offers therapeutic massage, exercise and stretch therapy, men’s yoga classes, patient coaches and trainers.  CMC offers a natural approach to treating erectile difficulties (ED) with its Acoustic Wave Therapy. Call for your complimentary, in-person consultation (valued at $225). Book your first appointment at ChicagoMaleClinic.com See ad on page 17.

Pet Wellness

CARE DOG SOLUTIONS

331-250-4528

CareDogSoulutions@gmail.com CareDogSolutions.com

Care Dog Solutions provides pet wellness support through advanced food and environmental sensitivity testing using hair analysis, helping pet parents uncover hidden triggers like nutritional imbalances, heavy metals and intolerance. With these insights, the service also offers personalized meal plans to restore health, reduce sensitivities and improve dogs’ overall well-being.

Reflexology

JASMIN REFLEXOLOGY

773-979-5351

JJahal@hotmail.com

JasminReflexology.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. See ad on page 31.

Skeletal Strengthening

OSTEOSTRONG

126 Skokie Rd, Wilmette 60091 224-487-8833

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 29.

Thermography

ILLINOIS THERMOGRAPHY

Map And Track Your Health!  50+ locations in the Chicago area 847-363-3314

IllinoisThermography.com

The highly sensitive thermal scan is crucial in prevention and early screening for breast and body health. Thermal imaging can show precursors to heart disease, vascular obstruction, lymphatic congestion, autoimmune disorders, skeletal dysfunction and neural dysfunction in anyone. Early detection and prevention are always less complicated than treatment. See ad on page 41.

Tree Care

BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS

Serving Chicagoland 877-227-8538 • Bartlett.com

Expert tree care for 117 years and growing. Specializing in pruning, fertilization, cabling and bracing, insect and disease management, tree inspections, storm damage repair, lightning protection and removals. Visit our website to schedule your complimentary appointment with a Bartlett Arborist Representative. We’re here for every tree. See ad on page 27.

Wellness Centers

INSPIRE YOGA AND WELLNESS

1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 208, Elk Grove Village 60007 312-593-4366

InspireYogaWellness.com

At our wellness sanctuary, we focus on healing rather than just treating symptoms. We dig deep to find the root cause of your issues and look at all four aspects of health: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. We offer personalized health coaching, iridology, yoga, meditation, infrared sauna and more. See listing on this page.

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.

—Elizabeth Lawrence

Dance

HIGHLAND PARK

TIME TO DANCE

Discover the healing art of dance Ballet, modern and tap for adults 50+ @North Shore School of Dance 505 Laurel Ave 847-432-2060 | Time-To-Dance.org

Sports Performance Training

WHEATON & CHICAGO

FLEX/JULIE MACKEY

Mental Skills. Yoga. Mobility. Meditation. 1:1 and Team Packages Virtual & In-Person. JulieMackey.com

Yoga Studios

ELK GROVE VILLAGE

INSPIRE YOGA AND WELLNESS

Kundalini Yoga. Meditation. Iridology. Detox. Health Coaching. Infrared Sauna. Red Light Therapy. 1100 Nerge Road, Suite #208 312-593-4366

InspireYogaWellness.com

EVANSTON

HEAVEN MEETS EARTH YOGA COMMUNITY

Yoga Therapy. Health. Nutrition. Fitness Coaching. Functional Strength. Teacher Training. Retreats. Outdoor Yoga. Reiki. Healing Boutique.  847-475-1500

HeavenMeetsEarthYoga.com

Earn your massage license while studying holistic therapy!

BEGINNING ZEN SHIATSU

2-Weekend Intensive

Oct 10-12 and 17-19, Fri 7-10pm, Sat/Sun 9:30am-4:30pm

5-Day Intensive

Dec 8-12, Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm

zenshiatsu.edu/ce/ beginning_zen_shiatsu/

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