September 2023 Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine

PLASMA (PRP)

Harness the healing power, circulating within U!

Dr Meena and her Team are amazing! Deanna, Maya, Isabella, and Bernie all add so much value in different ways!... I have committed to this process for another year, since it is working so well! Dr Meena’s intelligence, persistence, and care have helped me to start overcoming a lot of family and genetic challenges. I would highly recommend Heal n Cure to anyone and everyone! –WB

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma, which contains abundant growth factors and can wake up dormant hair follicles when injected around them. It is effective for men and women.

Hello, I’m Dr. Meena Malhotra …

Our integrated approach has helped thousands of patients accomplish their health goals by adapting the best practices from Eastern and Western medicine.

The power to heal lies within your blood.

PRP treatments utilize that restorative potential and channel it to affected areas like the scalp.

• PRP is a natural treatment using your own blood.

• It begins with a consult followed by diagnostic testing.

• The second step is optimizing your blood for nutrients, hormones, hemoglobin, etc.

• The third step is to prepare PRP from your blood while numbing cream takes effect on the area to be treated.

• The final step is to inject the PRP into the dormant hair follicles.

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Some of my best, most precious and lasting memories are of travel and the journeys. Through careful year-round budgeting, saving and planning, my family took annual driving trips to explore the backroads, small towns, big cities, unique attractions and open areas of much of the U.S. and Canada, guided mostly by an eventual destination, paper maps that I was in charge of reading and a big road atlas.

A rented mini motor home (and later, a vintage ‘51 Olds my dad still has) often covered the miles, and evenings were typically spent at state/national parks, “mom and pop” campgrounds and later, small-town motels found in the paper-based AAA Travel Guide as we drove along. As an adult, my travel has typically been in similar style (sans motorhome, but with a sense of adventure), often heading for the forests and mountains, an inland lake or the ocean, and the occasional historical attraction.

This month in Natural Awakenings Chicago, we explore travel that helps transform our lives. We’ve filled this issue with options for adventure, plus wisdom and inspiration to lift your spirits and broaden your horizons. In our feature article, “Traveling with Purpose, Nine Destinations for Spiritual Enlightenment,” we travel from peaceful Sedona to breathtaking landscapes in Japan, discovering some of the world’s hidden locations that will leave you feeling centered and refreshed. If you’re considering a journey abroad for medical treatments, “Medical Tourism: Navigating the Risks and Rewards” sheds light on this growing trend. In either case, you’ll likely want to refresh during and after the journey, and we review some simple ways of “Yoga on Vacation: Simple Poses and Tips for Travelers.” And, we celebrate the quest of the unexpected as we, “Embrace the Winding Road.”

As fall approaches in the Midwest, writer Sheryl DeVore explores some of the fascinating September-blooming flowers of our native prairies, while horticulturist Melinda Myers reviews a few flowering plant choices for our gardens. Of course, ‘tis the season for apples and squash, and we have some tasty recipes from Tiffany Hinton and Veronica Hinke to try with fresh, local and organic produce from your journey to a nearby farmers market, CSA, co-op, farmstand or grocery store.

As we travel through these inspiring articles, please keep in mind that your knowledge is powerful, and curiosity at any age fuels your passion—when shared with others, it can inspire them, as well. I remain beyond grateful to my parents for the experiences and knowledge that long road trips and short Sunday outings exposed me to, and their own interest and commitment to exploring the back roads and open spaces, both nearby and a winding road trip away.

As always, I ask you to please try to live your journey daily by stepping outside and experiencing the closing days of summer as the autumn equinox approaches. Enjoy lingering, warm evenings while watching the Harvest Moon, catch the changing light on a lake or river, observe the migration patterns of our summer bird visitors as they pass overhead to their winter homes and savor the season in your own way.

Publisher Peggy Malecki

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Peggy Malecki

Photo credit Peggy Malecki

D

Is your body telling you it needs help?

Do new symptoms creep up on you too fast?

Have dietary modifications failed to provide relief?

Help is a phone call away.

Reneé Barasch, Certified Digestive Health and Detoxification Specialist, has been helping clients achieve nutritional balance and enhance quality of life for more than 17 years. Reneé’s individualized plans help clients re-boot their digestive tracts and increase absorption of needed nutrients—creating the environment for detoxification of all organs and the pathways between them.

Working with Reneé, you will:

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

• Understand which foods agree with you— and those that don’t.

• Create a detoxification and digestive plan.

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

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

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

Environmental irritants also affect digestion.

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

Stay strong and healthy with a gut ‘reset.’

• Effectively and efficiently digest food.

• Reduce inflammation.

• Nourish your gut—and ensure your whole body is balanced.

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

OsteoStrong Wilmette Showcases Pain Management Device at Open House

OsteoStrong Wilmette, a unique wellness destination with a focus on improving skeletal health, balance and strength, will host an open house from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., September 21, to introduce the new Avacen device that is now available to clients at their location. June Zahn, from Avacen Medical, will be on hand to answer questions and share user experiences.

A leader in U.S. Food and Drug Association-cleared pain relief and wellness solutions, Avacen delivers heat through the palm of the hand, increasing microcirculation throughout the entire body as a drug-free alternative for the management of pain associated with chronic and acute conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia and others.

This patented method of enhancing systemic blood circulation and improving microcirculation in a 15-minute treatment addresses pain, enhances oxygen delivery and nutrition to the skeletal muscles while carrying away toxins, allowing joints to move more freely. Clinical trials are underway for the treatment of diabetes, fibromyalgia, wound healing and other ailments.

Scan the QR code or call 847-224-8616 to register for a complimentary session and experience this unique, comfortable solution for chronic pain and wellness. Location: 126 Skokie Blvd., Wilmette. For more information, visit OsteoStrong.me. See ad on page 23, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com

Buy a Book to Help Save the Planet

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will hold their annual Big Fall Book Sale fundraiser September 23, 25 to 30 and October 2 to 7 at the Algonquin Township Road District Building B. Proceeds help support environmental projects such as recycling drives, Styrofoam collection, prairie restoration, river cleanups and more.

Tens of thousands of gently used books will be for sale at bargain prices. The Defenders run two used bookstores yearround—The Green Read, in historic Downtown Crystal Lake, and The Green Spot, in the Woodstock Square Mall, in Woodstock.

Location: 3702 Northwest Hwy., in Crystal Lake. For more information, call 815-338-0393 or visit mcdef.org/event/big-fall-book-sale-2 See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com

Two Area Illuminate Festivals this Month

Illuminate Naperville and Illuminate Bloomington-Normal will both be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—on September 24 at the Chicago Marriott Naperville and on September 30 at the Holiday Inn Bloomington-Normal. Highlights include vetted intuitive readers, crystals, essential oils, original art, energy healing, reiki, crystal jewelry, luxurious spa products, handmade gifts, free workshops and more.

Founder Judy Bazis says, “Many exhibitors will be offering mini-sessions at special festival pricing, so it’s a great time to try something new. Illuminate Festivals have become a popular backdrop for self-discovery, with the aim to raise awareness about holistic wellness, promote local healing practitioners’ products and services, and spread much-needed hope and joy.”

Admission and workshops are free. Locations: 1801 N. Naper Blvd., Naperville; and 8 Traders Circle, Normal. For more information, visit IlluminateFestivals.com See ad on page 19.

Beginner’s Class in Accessing the Akashic Records

The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center will present Accessing The Akashic Records, a beginner’s class, with spiritual teacher and healer Christina Cross, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., September 26 to 28 online via Zoom. According to Edgar Cayce, “the sleeping prophet”, the Akashic Records are the Book of Life—the records of every soul’s journey throughout all time—while quantum physicist Ervin Laszlo attests they are an electromagnetic imprint of everything that has happened in the universe.

Whether coming from a scientific or spiritual perspective, the loving energy of the Akashic Records is deeply healing. Cross will help class attendees understand how to work in their own records and those of others for a clearer connection with source and to gain supportive insight, guidance and wisdom for their own evolution.

The Akashic Records can also be used in conjunction with other systems such as social work, counseling, bodywork, feng shui, reiki, aromatherapy and others. Some use Akashic Records in writing, photography, painting and music; businesspeople find guidance that enables them to do their work in a loving, inspired manner.

Cost: $250; ARE members, $225. For more information or to register, call 847-299-6535 or visit HolisticCenterChicago.com See ad on page 27 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com

Christina Cross

Photo courtesy of the Edgar Cayce Holistic Center

Learn About Energy Independence at Illinois Solar Tour Events

The Illinois Solar Energy Association will host a free Illinois Solar Tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., September 30, which will feature more than 80 separate public events throughout the state that demonstrate how homes and businesses are using solar, wind, geothermal, passive solar design, energy efficiency and more to be energy independent. Some sites will hold in-person open house tours, others will conduct video tours, and some will do both.

Participants will meet people that have renewable energy installations; learn about technology options and see how they are installed; hear how different renewable energy technologies work together; and find ways to use clean energy to power their life. Solar owners will answer questions about how to harness the power of the sun.

For more information, visit IllinoisSolar.org/Illinois-Solar-Tour

See ad on page 39.

Lysiak Helps in Finding the Perfect Gemstone

Certified Nutritionist, Applied Kinesiologist, QRA practitioner, Master B.E.S.T. Practitioner, energy specialist and mind, body spirit coach Joann Lysiak, and owner and designer at Joann Lysiak Gems, says, “Gemstones have energy properties that you can benefit from when wearing them, meditating with them or displaying them in your home/office. Gemstones can be used as energy tools to uplift your emotions, reduce stress, protect you from EMFs and radiation from technology and cell towers, harmonize the energy of your home, ground you, instill a feeling of tranquility/serenity and more.”

She advises, “As an Applied Kinesiologist, I also energy test my clients to determine which gemstone is right for them, based on their specific needs or desires for manifesting. Each gemstone has a different energy property that can be used to attract an abundant life, a loving relationship, inner peace, higher spiritual consciousness or enlightenment. Let me help you find the perfect stone energy for you.”

Natural Awakenings readers receive 10 percent off all gemstone jewelry and stone pieces purchased online in September using code NA923. For more information, call 847-596-0274, email Joann@JoannLysiakGems.com or visit JoannLysiakGems.com

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

Reiki Workshop for People and Pets

Mary Walters, founder of EnergyGirl, LLC, will present a hybrid animal reiki workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. October 2, at the Infinity Foundation, in Highland Park. The session, which includes a 30-minute reiki experience for pets and people, is intended for fur baby parents and guardians; volunteers from shelters, rescues and sanctuaries; employers and employees of veterinary clinics, zoos, and animal training and support facilities; and anyone else that has a love of animals, the Earth and a desire to bring more love and healing into the world.

Walters says that animal reiki energy works to heal physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wounds or injuries. She adds that the practice can clarify for the animal their responsibilities, job and service; restore their life force; improve their sense of well-being; and strengthen the human-animal bond along with furnishing other wonderful benefits for us.

Location: 1280 Old Skokie Rd., Highland Park. For more information, visit EnergyGirl2020.com See ads in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Balance For Life Florida to Host October Holistic Retreats

Ft. Lauderdale area-based Balance for Life Retreat has partnered with the world-class Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort to create three all-inclusive programs from October 8 to 14, 15 to 21 and 8 to 21, designed for lifestyle health rejuvenation, stress management and weight loss. Included in the one- and two-week sessions are fun fitness classes, education, an exclusive beach, time for spa pampering and exploring the Deerfield Beach and nearby Ft. Lauderdale.

Guests can select a tailored program from options including water fasting, juice cleansing and a nourishing plant-based lifestyle reboot, all under the guidance and support of Balance for Life Director Dr. Frank Sabatino, DC, Ph.D. He will present daily in-person wellness talks focused on healthy lifestyle goals, as well as in-depth guidance on food, nutrition, healthy weight management and more. Each guest is instructed, monitored and guided through the programs by Sabatino.

Bring a friend and save 50 percent on their registration when booking double occupancy. Location: 2096 NE 2nd St., Deerfield Beach, FL. For more information and bookings, call 954-947-5888, email Info@ BalanceForLifeFlorida.com or visit BalanceForLifeFlorida.com See ads on pages 13 and 21.

Joann Lysiak

Mary Walters

Photo courtesy of Joann Lysiak

Photo courtesy of Mary Walters

Annual Green Living Expo Adds New Component

The 2023 Green Living Expo, to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 4 at McHenry County College, in Crystal Lake, has added a new component this year. A first-ever Sustainability Student Research Forum will highlight area college and university sustainability research projects.

The event will feature more than 100 educational displays, green vendors and sustainable food trucks.

Free admission. Location: 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake. For more information, email Sustainability@McHenry.edu. To register, visit McHenry.edu/greenexpo See ad on page 15.

Sacred Ground Expands Services

Sacred Ground has expanded its retail space nearby at 19 E. Miner Street, in Arlington Heights, across from Uptown Cafe and next to Pulsation Yoga. The previous location at 15 E. Miner Street will now be used for classes, workshops, meditations, readings, body and energy work.

Owner Deneene Florino says, “I would like to thank the community for the continued support. We will still carry all the same items minerals, crystals, incense, candles, ethnic instruments, out-of-the-ordinary gifts, books, cards and more! Our rock and crystal selection has expanded to carry more specimens, thumbnails and fossils from around the world.”

For more information, visit ShopSacredGround.com. See ad on page 14 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com

Collective Resource Compost Goes Co-op

Local compost champions Collective Resource Compost recently evolved their company structure to become a hybrid, employee- and community-owned cooperative. Founder Erlene Howard, who launched the Evanston-based residential and commercial compost collection company 13 years ago, is making plans for retirement. Rather than sell the business, she opted to create an opportunity for employees and customers to continue the unique legacy of her mission-based company.

Collective Resource’s objective is to help mitigate climate change by recovering organic resources through commercial composting and zero waste education, and by doing so, support workers, contribute to the local economy and create a community around sustainability.

“It’s the next logical step in the life of the company that our employees and our community be able to own a part of it. Our business model is based on community, and how we want to work in the world is communally, not competitively,” Howard says. A new website has all of the co-op information, including how to buy shares. A new customer portal makes it easier to sign up for composting services, make online payments and make adjustments to service.

For more information or to purchase co-op shares, call 847-733-7665 or visit CollectiveResourceCompost.coop/co-op-info.

The Energy Enhancement System Introduces a New Level of Well-being

Several centers offering the new Energy Enhancement System (EESystem) scalar wave energy protocol have opened in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood, as well as suburban locations in Bolingbrook, Lake Barrington, Roselle and Vernon Hills. This non-invasive wellness methodology combines body, mind, spirit and science to help clients achieve peak performance and promote self-healing, and is suitable to a wide range of health conditions.

Dr. Sandra Michael developed the EESystem that integrates bio- and quantum physics, science and body-mind homeostasis, allowing cell regeneration and much more, according to the research of leading biological scientists, physicists and physicians. Following EES sessions, positive effects have been reported for autoimmune conditions, brain fog, chronic fatigue, injury recovery, pain management, sleep and more physical issues, as well as overall spiritual enhancement and well-being.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/EES-NAchicago for location contact info and websites. See ads on page 5, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com

Natural Awakenings writer Carrie Jackson was named Volunteer of The Year by Chicago nonprofit HOPES for Kids at the Seeds of Hope Gala, on June 9 at Lacuna Lofts, in Pilsen. The organization provides enormous support for Chicago students and families that are experiencing homelessness through trauma-informed academic guidance and dedicated mentorship that instill educational development, spark curiosity and lay the groundwork for longterm empowerment.

This Fall … Reboot. Recharge. Rejuvenate.

Jackson, recognized for her weekly dedication to the organization’s Literacy Leaders program at a Rogers Park shelter, says, “Seeing the students grow each week keeps me motivated to continue volunteering. I see their resilience and tenacity in spite of the challenges they are facing, and also see them laugh and be regular kids. Spending time in a shelter so close to where I live keeps me grounded and inspired to make a difference any way I can.”

For more information, visit ChicagoHopesForKids.org

ALL INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS INCLUDE

lifestyle health rejuvenation, stress management and weight loss. Choose from rejuvenating options including invigorating water fasting, refreshing juice cleansing, and nourishing plant-based meals meticulously prepared by our Chef to support your wellness goals. All under the guidance and support of our director, Dr. Frank Sabatino, DC, PhD.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to revitalize your mind, body and spirit in a serene and nurturing environment right on the beach.

Reserve your spot TODAY and embark on a path to wellness like never before!

Bring a friend and they get 50% OFF their stay (double occupancy required)

October 8-14 / October 15-21

Stay two weeks and get one night FREE

Plus you can bring a guest for half price: October 8-21

PAMPER NOURISH

DEERFIELD BEACH | FT. LAUDERDALE

Kimberly King, Volunteer Coordinator for HOPES for Kids, and Carrie Jackson

Photo credit HOPES for Kids

Study Shows Pets Are Commonly Viewed as

Family Members

More than 16,000 pet owners and 1,200 veterinarians from eight countries participated in a 2022 study by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute to gain a deeper understanding of how the human-animal bond impacts pet owner behaviors and veterinarians. About 95 percent of pet owners considered their pets part of the family and 76 percent said they would make major life changes for their pets.

In the study, more than 98 percent of pet owners reported at least one health benefit from their pets, such as increased happiness, less stress and decreased loneliness. This human-animal bond is listed as the reason why 95 percent of vets entered the profession, with 71 percent believing that discussing this bond is valuable because it improves both human and animal physical, emotional and mental health.

In addition to the traditional treatment plans of regular checkups, healthy diet and exercise, alternative methods of strengthening human and animal body, mind and spirit are coming to the forefront, like acupuncture and reiki for all species. Animal reiki specifically targets the human-animal bond assisting communication between pets and caregivers to be clear, thus strengthening heart-to-heart connections and healing old wounds.

Mary Walters is the owner of of EnergyGirl. For more information, visit EnergyGirl2020.com and habri.org See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Sage Cleansing Ritual

The ritual burning of herbs is common to many cultures in the world. It is one of the oldest and purest methods of cleansing a person, group of people or space. When we purify with burning sage, we allow for more wisdom, clarity and increase our spiritual awareness.

HOW TO SAGE YOUR SPACE IN SIX SIMPLE STEPS:

1. Open your window slightly to allow the energy and smoke to leave your space.

2. Light your sage and gently let it smolder and create smoke.

3. Catch your ashes in a shell or bowl.

4. Move around your space, allowing the smoke to cleanse and clear.

5. Continue to go through your space room by room while circling sage for smoke to disburse throughout.

6. Throughout the saging process, with a clear mind, set your intentions and fill the space with only love and positive energy.

Virginia Gullo-Ciaccio owns Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, located at 160 W. Campbell St., in Arlington Heights. For more information, call 224-735-2355 or visit PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

See ad on page 37, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com

Photo by pexels-cottonbro-studio-5359342.jpg

Photo credit cynoclub for Adobe Stock

Mycelium Mysteries

Women’s Mushroom Conference

September 22, 23 & 24, 2023

• A full weekend of communing with mushrooms: the Grandmothers of our Ecosystem

• Workshops delving into mushrooms as food & medicine

• Understanding mushrooms and their mycelium as healers

• Topics range from beginner to advanced including fungal ecology, ethnomycology, foraging and identification

• Wonderful, locally sourced, deeply nourishing food

Registration Now Open!

New!

In Our Own Hands: Women’s Wellness Series | January - April, 2024 | Virtual featuring Robyn Klein, Julie Charette Nunn, Phyllis Light, Bevin Clare, Sheri Winston, Cornelio Cho, and Linda Conroy!

• Learn from the cozy comfort of your own home

• Workshops that encourage, nurture, and empower women led by renowned teachers from across the country and world

Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference | May 24-26, 2024

featuring keynote speakers Tieraona LowDog MD, Mimi Hernandez, and Susan Leopold

• 3 days of celebrating the feminine in herbal traditions

• Featuring a wide spectrum of acclaimed herbalists and speakers

• 60+ incredible workshops, plant walks, and immersions

• Profound community building in a beautiful, retreat-like venue

• Delicious, locally sourced, deeply nourishing food

& Guided Online Courses

Hummingbirds That Don’t Pollinate

Every day, hummingbirds must drink nearly their body weight in nectar to survive. Most hover above their food by beating their wings up to 80 times a second and inserting their beaks into the tubes of flowers. As they consume their food, grains of pollen stick to their foreheads, pollinating the next flowers they encounter.

Scientists from the University of Connecticut recently identified 66 species of hummingbirds that may be harvesting nectar without pollinating flowers by using tiny toes to cling to a nearby branch rather than hovering above. These birds, which have a longer hallux claw to hold on to a stem and a shorter beak to get in closer, are able to save energy and obtain nectar from previously inaccessible flowers by poking into the side of the flower tube. This method, however, appears to prevent pollination from occurring.

Ayurvedic Cosmetics on the Rise

organic roots

In Sanskrit, Ayurveda translates to “the science of everyday living,” and it is one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine. Offering a holistic path for cultivating health and well-being, Ayurveda promotes balance and harmony with the use of natural herbs, plantbased medicines and spices.

According to a recent comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR), the worldwide Ayurvedic products market size is expected to grow from $12.6 billion in 2023 to $31.8 billion by 2032. MRFR analysts ascribe this impressive growth to increased availability and public awareness of such goods, as well as a deepening distaste for the adverse side effects of conventional medicines and products.

Demand for Ayurvedic cosmetic products is also on the rise, according to the same MRFR report. Supporting the idea that outer beauty reflects what is going on inside the body, beauty brands like Kama Ayurveda, RANAVAT and Forest Essentials are expanding into the global sector. Their increasing popularity follows broader trends toward organic and natural medicines and “clean beauty”, as well as increasing awareness about toxic ingredients in some Western products. Ayurvedic components have been used recently to balance Western formulas. For instance, in skincare, sandalwood is added as an antioxidant, and turmeric is combined with topical retinoid medications to reduce irritation.

REPAIR DAMAGED HAIR STRENGTHEN HAIR REDUCE HAIR LOSS ELIMINATE FRIZZ

Immerse yourself in a non-toxic salon experience with active botanicals and pure essential oil!

Light-Emitting Technology on the Horizon

Researchers from Japan and Germany are developing eco-friendly light devices that use a single layer of organic film mixed with light-emitting materials and an electrolyte. These light-emitting electrochemical cells (LEC) are gaining attention due to their simplified structure and because they consume less energy and cost less than the organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) currently on the market.

The research team is using molecules called dendrimers, new organic materials that can extend the life of LECs. The electrolyte in an LEC can be made from inexpensive materials, such as biomass-derived cellulose acetate, a compound used in clothing fibers and eyeglass frames, whereas OLEDs use rare or heavy metals. Researchers are also using graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, as the electrode. While the progress is exciting, the developers of this new lighting technology note that more research is needed before it goes to market in order to make the devices brighter and capable of illuminating in three primary colors.

EugeneEdge/ ShutterStock.com

MAKE THE MOST OF THE 2023 Live Trinity Health Freedom Expo

Whether you are a parent wanting to make the safest choices for your family, an individual who wants to live a holistic lifestyle or a practitioner looking to better care for your clients, the Trinity Health Freedom Expo can connect you with the resources to reach your goals. This year marks the 32nd Health Freedom Expo, which continues to provide reputable and uncensored access to current information and the top products from the natural health industry. Attend to learn from renowned health experts including Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, Dr. Mark Richards, Dr. Bradley Nelson and many others. Use these helpful tips for making the most of your time at the 2023 Live Trinity Health Freedom Expo on October 14 and 15 at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

1 Register Early to Save Time and Money

Advanced registration allows you to save. Through October 13, you can purchase a single-day ticket for the preregistration rate of $15 (reg. $20) or a weekend pass for $25 (reg. $30). In addition, when you register early, your name badge will be preprinted to expedite check-in, allowing you to enjoy more time at the Expo.

Registering early can also help you familiarize yourself with the venue, speakers, exhibitors and special events like the Private Symposium on Saturday evening featuring Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, founder of the Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center, author and vaccine researcher. Tickets for this special event are $50 in addition to your Expo admission.

2 Download the Whova App to Stay Connected. The Expo uses Whova, an event app, for both live and virtual events. This app is accessible from a mobile phone or computer to complement and enhance the live format and host the Virtual Expo. On the Whova app, you can communicate with other attendees, plan your schedule, post questions to organizers and interact with exhibitors and speakers when available during and after the events.

18, 2024. To make the most of your Expo experience, you can add a Virtual Expo pass to your Live Expo order for only $25. After the live event concludes, and when purchased separately, Virtual Expo passes are $50. The Virtual Expo will feature the recorded lectures from the live event and provide a 3-month window to watch all 35 speaker presentations. In addition, new speakers and a live panel discussion will be added to the virtual lineup.

4 Plan Ahead to Maximize Your Time. Parking is free at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Once you enter the Convention Center, you will see the Expo registration desk, where you will check in and receive your name badge and a tote bag while supplies last.

The exhibit hall opens at 9 a.m., and speaker presentations begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Coming early allows you to check in and browse the Exhibit Hall before lectures. There are many things to do and see, so plan ahead to visit exhibitors, view health and wellness demonstrations, and try natural and organic product samples. This schedule and the exhibitor list will help you plan your day so you can arrive early and get the best seats possible at speaker presentations.

Questions are encouraged at the live panel discussions and many speaker presentations, so feel free to write yours down to be prepared. The first panel discussion is Health Freedom on Saturday at 2 p.m., and the second is Complementary and Alternative Medicine in America on Sunday at 2 p.m. These discussions are guided by a moderator and involve open Q&A, so questions on these topics can help benefit everyone.

3

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To learn more or purchase a Single Day or Weekend Pass, visit TrinityHealthFreedomExpo.com, call 888-658-3976, or email Info@TrinitySchool.org. Through October 13, save by purchasing a single-day pass for $15 (reg. $20) or a weekend pass for $25 (reg. $30). Access to the Virtual Expo can be added to your Live Expo order for $25 or purchased after the event concludes for $50. Admission to the Private Symposium is $50 in addition to your single-day or weekend pass. See ad on page 9.

Enjoy TheosoFEST

Mind Body Spirit Festival in Wheaton

The TheosoFEST Mind Body Spirit Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., September 9, on the Theosophical Society’s 40 acres of beautiful grounds in Wheaton, featuring talks on meditation, Buddhism, holistic healing and more. There will be tasty vegetarian food, a holistic marketplace showcasing more than 100 vendors, a festive Kids’ Korner, intuitive readings, labyrinth walks, tai chi, yoga and more.

There is also a world-class library, the Quest Book Shop and the Buddha Meditation Garden.

The first Theosophical Society in America TheosoFEST was held in 1990 in conjunction with the Council for the Parliament of the World’s Religions. The festival grows in popularity each year, attracting thousands of visitors.

Free admission, $5 parking. Location: 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton. For more information, call 630-668-1571 ext. 315, email Info@ Theosophical.org or visit Theosophical.org/ theosofest See ad on page 35.

Intimate Garments for Every Body at the Busted Bra Shop

by Sheila Julson

When Lee Padgett became frustrated by the lack of options to purchase bras in the Detroit area, she decided to open her own size-inclusive specialty bra boutique. Since the first Busted Bra Shop opened in 2013, she has gone on to open three more locations in Michigan and two in Chicago, in the Hyde Park and Lakeview neighborhoods. Busted Bra Shop carries an array of brassieres in multiple sizes for all body types, along with lingerie, panties and accessories. “It’s easier to fit shoes than it is to fit bras,” Padgett says wryly. “There are many different nuances to consider. Each body is so different, and we have to take that into consideration.”

Busted Bra Shop carries cup sizes from AA through P, and band sizes 28 through 56. Bras are available in multiple colors and styles, ranging from sporty to sexy. They also carry nursing and mastectomy bras, and can special order most products they carry. “We have trained fitters in every store every day to measure, fit and provide the customer with what they need,” Padgett says. “We fit traditionally, but then determine what is

best for each customer. Product knowledge is important for our fitters, because every company has its own sizing.”

Padgett explains that Busted Bra Shop fitters take into consideration the customer’s shoulder width, the length from under the bust to the top of the shoulders, styles that work best for their body type and whether a customer wants an underwire. “We’re here to do the shopping for you and remove the frustration of finding well-fitting intimates. When people come in and talk to us, we listen, and we will find them something spectacular.”

Padgett curates the Busted Bra Shop inventory by attending shows and conventions throughout the country. She tours showrooms and factories, and considers current trends and what is in demand in each store. Each location’s inventory is defined by what customers in those areas buy and request. Busted Bra Shop also offers lingerie up to size 4X, bodysuits, shapewear and Soak, an eco-friendly detergent formulated for undergarments. They can also order prosthetics for mastectomy patients.

Lee Padgett

Photo courtesy of Lee Padgett

PROMOTING BODY POSITIVITY IN AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT

Busted Bra Shop is woman- and veteran-owned. Padgett served in the U.S. Navy, and holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. For about a decade, she and her family moved frequently for work and school, but eventually returned to Detroit, where Padgett opened a coffee shop/art gallery, Café de Troit, in the early 2000s. There, she met many customers that were stymied by the lack of bra shopping options.

By carrying offerings for everyone, Busted Bra Shop promotes body positivity. “We’re here to support you and help you find what you need to feel your best in the body you are in,” she says. The boutique works with and supports the LGBTQ+ community, and people of all shapes and sizes are shown in the store’s advertising and on their social media. “Each body is beautiful, and we’re all wonderful human beings,” Padgett affirms. Padgett also coordinates offsite pop-up events with organizations, churches, sororities and private clubs, where her staff will bring a curated selection of Busted Bra inventory and offer bra fittings.

Padgett has ventured down many paths from military service to jobs in science and retail, but she finds operating Busted Bra Shop the most rewarding. “I employ 39 people, and we provide products in a welcoming, safe space for the bra-wearing community and for our employees,” she says. “I love working with new designers, taking care of customers and providing a positive place for people to work.”

Busted Bra Shop is located at 1013½ E. 53rd St., Chicago (Hyde Park, 773-952-8875); and 3148 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago (Lakeview, 773-697-9199). For more information, visit BustedBraShop.com See ad on page 20 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com

Embrace the Winding Road

by Marlaina Donato

Life’s transitions can feel like a broken bead necklace, with scattered pieces of ourselves waiting to be restrung. When we pack up our lives to move into a new home or organize neglected drawers, we may stir up clouds of bittersweet memories. Watching our kids leave the nest, we might wonder where the time has gone. As a new self struggles to emerge from the chrysalis, our hormones might take us on a rollercoaster ride before unveiling breathtaking wings.

At times, we have one foot on shifting sands and the other in midair, waiting to connect to solid ground. Inspirational author Neale Donald Walsch says, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”—wise words for those of us that are halfway across the rickety swinging bridge of change.

Breaking our own rules can gift us with a brand of freedom that we’ve only imagined. Seasoned travelers and weekend adventurers might agree that setting aside plans and maps invites unforeseen magic. Ordering something we cannot pronounce on the menu, turning left instead of right or revisiting an old dream might be a wonderful decision.

When we take our hands off the wheel and float into possibility, the universe smiles and nudges our secret longing for something new, something more harmonically aligned with our own unique frequency. Meeting life in the moment, wherever we happen to be, can be a challenging but rewarding spiritual discipline.

When we take a deep breath and turn the page, life deepens in color and gets more interesting. When we resist the well-meaning way that has been carved out for us and choose to go off the beaten path despite the uncertainty ahead, we will meet ourselves more deeply, no matter what happens. Perhaps this is the meaning behind it all—the magical door we seek. Honoring the sanctity of change is the key to fulfillment.

Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at JaguarFlower.art.

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TRAVELING WITH PURPOSE

NINE DESTINATIONS FOR SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT

by Kiki Powers

Seeker rests on Machu Picchu while viewing Huayna Picchu in Peru

Throughout history, humans have embarked on pilgrimages in pursuit of wealth, good fortune, divine intervention, spiritual enlightenment and other blessings. These journeys could be considered the earliest manifestations of one type of adventure travel, while today some of these would be defined as spiritual tourism.

The notion of “spirit” refers to both our conscious and subconscious minds. A spiritual practice, then, is any activity that enables us to step away from the noisy parade of life and explore our emotions, where any concept of the human spirit resides. This spiritual self-care includes any ritual or practice that helps connect us with our most authentic higher self.

Travel can be an amazing way to explore metaphysical interests with new people, sites and scenes, in order to invigorate the senses, stimulate the imagination, refresh the mental framework and invite new ideas and personal insights. Some places qualify for spiritual travel by virtue of their natural beauty, or due to some historical, mythological or religious significance. For a trip that fosters mind-body-spirit self-care with a generous portion of adventure, check out these sacred sites.

MOUNT SHASTA

This Northern California treasure is believed to be a powerful spiritual vortex that has long captured the imagination of spiritual seekers. By some accounts, Mount Shasta is reputed to be the Earth’s root chakra, in keeping with the belief that, like the human body, planet Earth possesses chakra energy centers

This majestic mountain, which is associated with healing, transformation and spiritual awakening, is a stunning backdrop for the many spiritual retreats and workshops offered locally that include meditation, energy healing, yoga, sound therapy and other restorative modalities.

Spiritual guide Andrew Oser, who has led Mount Shasta retreats for decades, says, “I can help you allow Mount Shasta’s transforming energies into the core of your very being, and by utilizing my direction to harness the mountain’s heightened vibration, you will feel it almost magically dissolve all of your fears.”

SEDONA, ARIZONA

Surrounded by red rock canyons, whimsical forests and waterfalls, Sedona’s natural beauty inspires spiritual reflection. It is also part of one of the most powerful energy vortexes in the world and a New Age Mecca for those seeking transcendence through energy healing, yoga, sound baths and a host of other spiritual offerings.

From venturing to the bright turquoise waters at Havasu Falls nearby to visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, there are many activities in Sedona for those wishing to connect more deeply to nature and themselves.

BALI, INDONESIA

Known as the “Island of the Gods”, Bali is a captivating destination with a serene, spiritual ambiance. Nestled amidst lush greenery and terraced rice fields, the town of Ubud, in the uplands of Bali, enjoys international recognition for its spiritual offerings and welcoming vibe for those seeking inner peace and self-discovery. Holistic healing options in Bali include energy therapies, sound healing and traditional Balinese massage. Yoga enthusiasts will be delighted with the varied class options, immersive programs and specialized workshops. Along with wellness spas offering rejuvenating treatments that harmonize the body, mind and spirit, Bali offers beautiful meditation areas for quiet contemplation.

Maddy M/ ShutterStock.com

Edwin Verin/ Shutterstock.com DavideAngelini/ ShutterStock.com

MACHU PICCHU, PERU

Spirituality runs deep in the Peruvian culture, from the ancient temples of the Incas to the living history of shamanism in the Amazon jungle. Machu Picchu has long been a revered site, and historically the place for worshipping the sun, the main Inca deity. Seekers can explore Machu Picchu on their own or participate in guided spiritual meditations—either way, it is a beautiful destination for a mind-body-spirit getaway.

For those seeking a deep mystical experience, Peru Sacred Tours provides a safe haven for spiritual advancement with the individualized attention and guidance of indigenous practitioners, including the herbalist shamans of the rainforest, Q’ero Inca priests of Cuzco or Moche San Pedro shamans of Chiclayo.

EGYPT

Egypt is considered a land of majesty and mystery, attracting treasure hunters, history buffs and adventure seekers, as well as those searching for spiritual transformation. This world-renowned destination has a long history of spirituality, with a colorful tapestry of beliefs and practices. The ancient Egyptians were convinced of the existence of a spiritual plane, while also maintaining deep reverence for the natural world, and these concepts continue to inform contemporary Egyptian culture and spirituality.

In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for spiritual tours in Egypt, particularly for meditation workshops in iconic places like the Great Pyramid of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Mount Sinai and Nile River. One of the more well-known tour guides is Freddy Silva, a leading researcher of ancient civilizations, sacred sites and their interaction with consciousness, as well as the bestselling author of The Divine Blueprint

VARANASI, INDIA

Varanasi may be the world’s oldest city, settled more than 4,000 years ago. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, it is regarded as the spiritual heart of India, with a tradition of Hindu mythology, as well as Buddhism. Religious, humanist and secular visitors frequent the evening aarti ceremony, when sadhus [sages] show their devotion by raising flaming lamps amid the aroma of incense.

If this strikes a chord, renowned author and spiritual teacher Andrew Harvey is offering a 14-day pilgrimage to the artistic, historical and spiritual soul of North India in November. He is the founder and director of the Institute for Sacred Activism, an international organization that inspires people to take up the challenge of our contemporary global crises by becoming effective, practical agents of institutional and systemic change.

KYOTO, JAPAN

Imbued with the rich heritage and history of Zen Buddhism, this enchanting city is an ideal destination for seekers to explore close to 2,000 Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, as well as the iconic Golden Pavilion, where centuries of devotion and wisdom have been housed. Many of these sites also provide inspiring settings for quiet contemplation, meditation and discussions of The Buddha’s teachings.

The traditional tea ceremony offered at numerous venues around the city is a refreshing, meditative practice that cultivates a sense of tranquility and connection to the present moment. Kyoto is also home to exquisite Japanese gardens that illustrate the profound relationship between nature and spirituality in this gentle culture.

ITALY

As there are many sacred sites in Italy, a guided experience or well-planned itinerary may help facilitate an immersive spiritual journey. This is a labor of love for Phil Cousineau, author of more than 40 books, teacher, editor, independent scholar, documentary filmmaker, travel leader and storyteller. His lifelong fascination with art, literature and history of culture has taken him on journeys around the world.

Author of The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred, Cousineau has stated, “To shine the light of your own natural curiosity into the world of another traveler can reveal wonders—to remember the mysteries you forgot at home. What matters most on your journey is how deeply you see, how attentively you hear, how richly the encounters are felt in your heart and soul.”

In partnership with Sacred Earth Journeys, Cousineau has prepared a guided tour in November entitled The Sweet Life of Mythic Italy, which will explore sacred locations in Rome, Perugia, Assisi, Montepulciano, Florence, Verona and Venice. To learn more, visit Tinyurl.com/SweetLifeTour.

STONEHENGE, ENGLAND

Every year, more than a million people make the spiritual voyage to Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, England. Archaeologists are still seeking a plausible explanation as to how the stones weighing multiple tons were transported to the site. This ancient masterpiece of prehistoric engineering remains shrouded in mystery to this day.

There is further spiritual charm in myths around the purpose of Stonehenge. People ask, “Was it intended as a funeral monument, an astronomical observatory, a tool to predict the seasons or a sanctuary where the sun was worshipped?” Stonehenge is believed to be an epicenter of Earth energy with as many as 14 ley lines converging on the site—powerful channels of energy associated with places of ancient and primordial significance.

It is plain to see that when we are ready to invest in our spiritual well-being in a fun, mind-expanding way, many mind-body-spirit travel options abound.

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

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Yoga on Vacation

SIMPLE POSES AND TIPS FOR TRAVELERS

by Carrie Jackson

Travel can broaden our perspective of the world and take us on breathtaking adventures. These new experiences, however, often come with unexpected mental and physical challenges, stresses and anxieties. By incorporating yoga into the itinerary, we can cultivate a sense of peace, allowing us to show up as our best selves. From asanas after long hours of sitting to breathing exercises while waiting for a flight, yogic techniques can open the body and mind, letting us enjoy both the journey and destination. According to Jenny Kaufman, a Chicago-based yoga professional who leads international retreats and manages yogaview, in Wilmette, Illinois, a mindful yoga practice is different from stretching and is available for anyone, regardless of physical flexibility. “Yoga encompasses well-being, mindfulness, breathing and spiritual awareness. It leads you to pull inward, notice what and where you feel a sensation, and mindfully progress to another asana, or pose. Increased flexibility might be the byproduct of the practice, but that is not the point,” she explains.

“Long layovers, changing time zones and different foods can confuse our internal clocks and wreak havoc on sleep and digestion,” Kaufman says. She recommends some poses to mitigate disruption and bring renewed vigor to body and mind: “To wind down before bed, incorporate cooling postures, such as Seated Forward Bend and Child’s Pose, that encourage the body to fold in and rest. For a burst of energy, try warming poses and heart openers, such as Cobra, Sphinx and Backbends. If space is limited, stand with fingers interlaced behind the back and gently press the pelvis forward. If digestion is slowed, simple twists and Wind-Relieving Pose can help move things along.”

Kim Larkin, a New Jersey-based certified yoga teacher, leads international retreats as a way to share heart-opening cultural ad-

ventures with other curious beings. “My main practice when travel stress is creeping in is to drop my attention into my breath,” she says. “Just focusing on one breath cycle at a time will help to settle my attention into my body, begin to quiet my nervous system and bring me to a more grounded place. It can also be helpful to count the breath, as in Sama Vritti Pranayama or “box breathing”. Like a square, box breathing has four even- length parts to it. Inhale to a count of four or five; hold the inhale for the same count; exhale to four or five; and hold at the bottom of the exhale. Repeating this as needed helps to calm both the mind and body.”

Margi Young, an Oakland, California-based yoga instructor and retreat leader, says, “When traveling, it’s natural to want to jump into a busy schedule of exploring new destinations, but starting the day with a few conscious breaths and Sun Salutations can set the foundation for a more grounded experience. This allows you to be your best self and move through your journeys with less anxiety and fresh eyes. Or, get off the traditional yoga script and take a few minutes to put on your favorite tunes and dance to get into your body.”

Young also recommends incorporating yoga throughout the day while traveling to reset from any physical and mental stress. “In an airport, find a secluded place you feel comfortable doing a Downward Dog. Instead of putting your hands on the ground, you could put them on the seat of a chair. This grounding pose lengthens the spine, opens the shoulders and draws your attention inward,” she explains. “On a plane or bus, reaching your arms overhead gives space to condensed organs; ankle circles help increase circulation; and seated Figure Four opens up tight hips,” she advises.

If time allows, Young also suggests finding a yoga studio and popping in for a class. “Taking a yoga class in a new country or city can provide an immediate sense of community and is often a uniting gateway to other connections when navigating new and different surroundings,” she asserts.

Yoga helps to develop patience, an aptitude that Kaufman says can serve us throughout our travels. “Mindfully moving through a practice encourages us to listen and be patient with our bodies, and it provides valuable feedback on where we are and what we need. Instead of jumping into a deep stretch, purposefully encourage the hamstring to open up and notice how that feels. Cultivating that patience for ourselves changes the chemistry in your brain and becomes a microcosm for how you put yourself into the world. You’re able to be more patient with flight attendants, travel partners and everyone else you may encounter,” she shares.

For Larkin, practicing yoga while traveling cultivates inner peace. “The stress of travel can bring out the worst in us, but we can do our best to stay kind and considerate by keeping in mind the yoga teaching of Ahimsa: non-harming,” she says. “Most things work out, even if you lose your luggage or miss your flight. And most people are good, wanting to help you find your luggage or rebook your flight or commiserate when your vacation didn’t go quite to plan.”

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

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Savor the Present Moment

HOW TO ADD MINDFULNESS TO MEALTIME

by Veronica Hinke

RECIPES THAT ENRICH MINDFUL EATING

The Ann Wigmore Natural Health Institute, in Aguada, Puerto Rico, offers a mindful eating class that invites diners to practice with a bowl of Ann Wigmore’s Energy Soup—a recipe by the institute’s founder containing an array of vegetables, legumes and grains. “It’s fulfilling, nutritious and cleansing, all in one,” says Executive Director Carolyn Marin. “Key in what makes this a mindful eating meal is that while it is pulsed in a blender, it is not a liquid, and it requires chewing. Also, it is served at room temperature, which helps with mindful eating and proper digestion.”

There is a sharp difference between grabbing a fast-food burger at the drivethrough and paying full attention to a home-prepared meal. For many of us, busy schedules and harried lifestyles get in the way of a more introspective dining experience. Mindful eating—the practice of slowing down, appreciating the present moment and becoming consciously aware of the ingredients, flavors, aromas and textures that we consume—can be a worthwhile meditative endeavor.

“If we’re mindful of what we eat, when we eat and how we eat, we are supporting the vibrancy of what our bodies are so capable of,” says Dr. Carrie Demers, medical director at the Himalayan Institute, in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. “Studies show that when people stop to sit down and chew their food carefully, they not only eat less,

but they actually get more enjoyment out of their meal. Food tastes better when we are actually present with it.”

“When we slow down, we become more aware,” says Shawngela Pierce of Seek Within You, who leads spiritual retreats in Sedona, Arizona. “Sometimes people eat out of habit, but when we become more mindful, we start to notice patterns that, once understood, can help us harness a whole new way of eating and living.”

Mindfulness can begin before we even sit at the dining room table, “when we aren’t distracted by watching television or something else, and we take the time to think deeply about what we are preparing,” Pierce says, adding that calm focus can even help us when shopping for ingredients at the farmers market or grocery store.

While soft music plays in the background, students of the mindful eating class are instructed to slowly pick up their spoons, place a serving of soup in their mouths, set their spoons down and unhurriedly chew 30 times. “They look out at the ocean, breathing carefully, eating consciously and slowly, taking their time and getting their body out of fight-or-flight mode and into healing mode. It can be very emotional,” Marin explains. “Mindful eating also aids in digestion because the person is chewing the food fully and allowing it to spend more time in the mouth, where digestion begins. Many of our guests have experienced noticeable improvement with acid reflux, stomach aches and nausea.”

FOUR ASPECTS OF MINDFUL EATING

Marc Demers, head chef at The Himalayan Institute, says there are four aspects of mindful eating—right food, right time, right

quantity and right attitude or environment— each of which can be individualized and honed to deepen awareness and improve health. Here are his recommendations.

RIGHT FOOD: Eat fresh, whole foods that are easy to digest and give energy. We need mindfulness to notice which foods support us and which cause indigestion, mucus or fatigue.

RIGHT TIME: Our bodies naturally digest better in the daytime and when we feel hunger. Stop eating at least three hours prior to bedtime. We need mindfulness to notice the difference in digestion between eating ice cream at 3 p.m. and at 11 p.m.

RIGHT QUANTITY : Eat just the right amount of food—enough to feel satisfied and fuel the day’s activities, but not so much that we feel lethargic or sleepy. Mindfulness helps us notice our hunger and fullness, as well as how we feel after we eat.

RIGHT ATTITUDE OR ENVIRONMENT: Sit down in a peaceful place, ideally with people we like, rather than eating while driving, working or walking. Don’t eat when stressed or angry. If we are upset, it is better to take a moment to mindfully breathe and calm the nervous system before eating. The goal is to welcome the food with gratitude and openness.

TAKE IT SLOW AND STEADY

For those struggling to commit to mindful eating, Pierce says, “Start practicing mindful eating with the food that you enjoy the most. Don’t try to do it all at once. Just try one meal each week as a start. Make it a priority. Set a reminder if it helps. Have fun with it. Make it a playful practice. Say, ‘Today is going to be my mindful eating day.’ That opens the gateway to something that will become an integral part of your spiritual life.”

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

Whole Apple Jam

by Tiffany Hinton

September brings apple season, and the smell of fall is in the air. It’s not all about “pumpkin spice” this season. The apple has a special place in the fall harvest season and is great for our bodies.

This recipe uses whole apples, which allows the pectin from the skin to be retained in the final jam. In addition to setting the jam, pectin is known to help heal the intestinal membrane, and is useful in helping with chronic illnesses like celiac and Crohn’s disease to minimize stomach pain and close the holes in the intestinal membrane that lead to leaky gut syndrome.

The original recipe for this jam was shared with me by my neighbor, who uses grams most of the time. I have modified it for the spices I like and to substitute the vegetable oil for coconut oil; over the last two years, we have used this recipe alone for all the apple jam we canned.

The old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” is not wrong. Apples provide nutrients which help with liver function and water to help the body hydrate. You can find fresh local organic apples at many of the U- pick farms and the local farmers market. Make sure to ask where the apples are grown and what method the orchard or farm uses for pest management (conventional sprays, integrated pest management or no intervention).

YIELD: APPROX. 4 JELLY JARS (½ PINT)

2.5 lbs (1100 grams) apples with seeds, chopped into pieces

1 lemon, finely grated zest and juiced

400 gm water

250 gm jam 2:1 sugar packet

1 tsp coconut oil

½ cinnamon stick

2 star anise

30 gm whole cloves

Place apples, lemon juice from ½ of lemon and 1 tsp lemon zest in large pan on stove. Add water and bring to boil for 10 minutes, then low to medium heat and cook 30 minutes, stirring frequently.

Once cooked, strain through fine mesh or muslin cloth and into large heat proof bowl. Allow to drain for 3 hours over the bowl and gently squeeze out remaining juice. Leave to cool.

Place reserved apple juice, juice from ½ lemon, jam sugar, oil, cinnamon, star anise and cloves in large pan over stove and cook over medium heat for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently until the jam begins to thicken.

Remove cinnamon stick, star anise and cloves.

Pour jam into warm, clean jelly jars, dividing evenly. Tightly close screw-on, air-tight lids. Store jam in fridge unless you processed the jars using a warm water bath and current shelf-stable canning methods.

Recipe courtesy of Tiffany Hinton, founder of Cultivating Guts. Connect online at @iamtiffanyhinton and listen to her podcast, Cultivating Guts, on Spotify or iTunes.

Photo credit Olena Rudo for Dreamstime.com

Photo by Himalayan Institute

Photo by Carolyn Marin

Photo by Vincci Tsui

Squash Bad Eating Habits

with Delicious Plant-Based Autumn Treats

by Veronica Hinke

Farmers market stalls are overloaded now with gorgeous squash varieties. There is so much more to do with a squash than roast it. These Butternut Squash Tartlets with Crispy Plant-Based Bacon and Sage are a crave-worthy way to celebrate any type of squash this fall. Pick out your favorite to try this recipe.

Butternut squash provides potassium, calcium, vitamins C and B6, iron and magnesium. These are easy to pack up for lunch on the go, and also pretty for a special meal at home.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH TARTLETS WITH CRISPY PLANT-BASED BACON AND SAGE

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

2 strips thick-cut plant-based bacon

½ butternut squash, peeled and cut into thin pie-shape pieces (“quarters”)

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp honey

¼ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp freshly ground multicolor peppercorns

2 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped

17 oz frozen pastry dough

1 egg (optional, for coating the pastry)

¼ cup vegan cream cheese

Preheat oven to 375° F

Local Food Pantries Need Your Support!

Many families are struggling to balance budgets with good nutrition. Your donations of money, healthy food, personal care and cleaning items help area food pantries to serve everyone in our communities.

In a small roasting pan, bake the vegan bacon in the oven until it is crispy about 45 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the squash, oil, honey, salt, pepper and sage.

Cut the pastry dough into 2-by-4-inch rectangles, and arrange them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

(Optional: Using a pastry brush, mix up the egg and paint the egg onto the top of each of the pieces of pastry.)

On top of each piece of pastry, arrange 4 to 5 pieces of the squash; sprinkle the sage and tiny bits of bacon on the top of each piece of pastry. Drizzle the remaining oil mixture over each tartlet. Scatter tiny bits of the chopped vegan bacon and dabs of the vegan cream cheese on top of each of the tartlets.

Bake in the oven until each piece of pastry is baked all the way through and brown on the tops and edges, about 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven and serve warm.

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

Medical Tourism

NAVIGATING THE RISKS AND REWARDS

by Sheila Julson

Many Americans have experienced sticker shock upon receiving a medical or dental bill, whether or not they have health insurance. As healthcare costs continue to rise in the United States, patients are grabbing their passports and turning to medical tourism—the act of crossing borders to obtain quality medical care at a lower cost.

“We have a great healthcare system in the United States, but it is priced out of the market for millions of people at the bottom of the economic pyramid,” says Josef Woodman, CEO of Patients Beyond Borders, a medical tourism resource. He estimates that to date, 2.1 to 2.4 million Americans have intentionally crossed borders specifically for medical care. Approximately 65 percent of those people sought complex dental treatments.

The town of Los Algodones, Mexico, located just over the U.S.-Mexico border near Baja California, has approximately 300

dental clinics. Known as “Molar City”, the town is a mecca for people looking for more affordable dentistry. U.S. travelers also head to Costa Rica, Turkey and Thailand for elective cosmetic surgery, bariatrics, infertility treatments, orthopedic medicine, cardiology and cancer care, or to obtain low-cost pharmaceuticals.

Add holistic treatments to the list, says David G. Vequist IV, Ph.D., the founder and director of the Center for Medical Tourism Research at the University of the Incarnate Word, in San Antonio. “People are very interested in how Asian countries naturally combine both alternative and traditional medicine. Philosophies like ‘food as medicine’ are commonly used in treatments there,” says the 15-year scholar of medical tourism trends.

PLANNING FOR THE BEST OUTCOMES

According to Vequist, “The best Mexican hospitals are using the same standards that we have in the U.S.” In 2009, for example, when Mexico’s General Health Council set out to create national hospital certification standards in their country, officials followed protocols established by Joint Commission International, an influential U.S.-based nonprofit that has served as a global driver of health care quality improvement and patient safety for the past 20 years.

Nevertheless, it is important to understand that complications may arise during a healthcare procedure regardless of where it is performed. Vequist cautions that the farther a patient travels from home, the more likely they will be exposed to bacteria that is unfamiliar to their body. Also, traveling in a pressurized airplane after complex surgical procedures should be avoided, and seeking medical care outside of a patient’s regular care network may break the continuum of care, leading to miscommunication and errors in the transfer of medical records.

“Although global health care isn’t for everyone, those who try it will find the quality is the same or better than at home, with modern facilities at a fraction of the cost,” says Paul McTaggart, founder of two specialized travel agencies—Medical Departures and Dental Departures—that help patients become informed about the best and most appropriate clinics and doctors around the world for their medical needs. They also book appointments, forward medical records and make travel arrangements.

McTaggart vets medical providers outside of the U.S. by verifying doctor credentials with local regulatory authorities;

measuring web reputations; conducting onsite inspections when possible; posting authentic, patient-verified reviews; removing partners that consistently receive poor reviews; and checking the web for legal and other claims against hospitals or clinics.

Woodman advises that extensive research of foreign hospitals, clinics and providers is crucial for a positive medical-tourism outcome and cautions against making a decision based solely on cost. “There are some bad actors out there that advertise mostly on price to attract U.S. patients. If a clinic advertises that you’ll save 80 or 90 percent off U.S. healthcare prices, be wary—that’s way too high of a discount.”

Other red flags include clinics that are located in strip malls or a lack of verifiable credentials for a provider. “A medical tourist needs to be a little more adaptable and critical of their surroundings,” Woodman says, adding that even if they’ve made the trip, when the circumstances seem off, a patient should never feel pressured to go through with the treatment or procedure.

Jonathan Edelheit, president of the Medical Tourism Association, recommends using healthcare providers that are certified or accredited by international organizations like Global Healthcare Accreditation. “Be careful of trusting any website,” he warns. “Some medical tourism facilitators are middlemen or agencies that receive a commission. Some will refer you to the best provider, but some will refer you to a provider that provides the largest commission, but who isn’t the best.”

Edelheit believes that with proper research and planning, cost-effective, quality health care is possible. He reminds travelers to avoid countries where the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory, and he recommends speaking with several patients that have gone through the same procedure to get a firsthand review and manage expectations. He asserts, “The value you receive and being able to immerse yourself in another culture and integrate a vacation is something that most medical tourists treasure and cherish.”

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings

INTRODUCTION TO

Water-Only Fasting

by Dr. Frank Sabatino, D.C., PhD.

By definition, water-only fasting means the abstinence from all food and liquids except water for some extended period of time. I myself have fasted thousands of people over the past 45 years for a wide variety of health concerns, and there is an extensive body of evidence supporting the use of water-only fasting in a wide range of health problems, including obesity.

The loss of appetite and fasting are natural to all animals, including humans, in response to disease and stress. If you observe animals in the wild or even your own house pets, you will notice that when they are injured or diseased they will often retire to a quiet and comfortable place, stop the intake of all food and continue drinking water only. When less energy is required for eating, digesting and procuring food, more energy is available for healing and repair.

When you stop eating, blood sugar levels begin to drop, and the body is forced to satisfy its blood sugar and energy needs with protein in our muscles and fat in our fat cells. There is more protein metabolism and lean muscle breakdown in the first few days of fasting, but within a few days, protein loss begins to slow down as the body shifts to fat metabolism. The ketones produced by fat metabolism in the fast are used directly by the brain as the primary source of energy during extensive periods of fasting.

The loss of protein and the depletion of blood sugar is more comfortably regulated by ensuring that the fasting person maintains maximum rest. In fact, it is important to see fasting as a deep physiological resting process.

In fasting, the body shifts from, a typical phase of growth to a phase of energy conservation, maintenance and repair. As evidence of this, the insulin-like growth factor (ILG-F), which is abnormally increased by eating refined foods and animal products and can promote cancer and tumor growth in adults, is reduced during fasting.

Not only is fat an available energy reserve in the body, but it also serves as a vehicle for the storage of waste and toxic fat-soluble chemicals that we are routinely exposed to. Many of the environmental toxins, and even internal toxic waste products, are typically dissolved in our fat cells. So not only do fat cells of the body provide a primary source of energy, but they also work like a garbage dump, hiding and storing our toxic load.

The energy that is harbored in the fasting process can enhance the mobilization of waste stored in body fat and remove this waste through organs and tissues of elimination like the skin and lungs in a process of detoxification. In fasting, the

body demonstrates an intelligent control over the processes of detoxification and elimination. So that the body will utilize what it needs least to provide support for organs it needs most and through autophagy, a process of self-digestion and housecleaning that is increased in fasting, it can dissolve tumors or cysts and support the vital organs of the body.

What makes fasting even more beneficial is that while many pathological conditions are improved, there is also significant fat and weight loss, as much as one to two pounds a day. I have had people lose 20 pounds in two weeks of fasting, and as much as 30 pounds or more in a month.

Fasting is not a mystical process. Although it has been used by a variety of spiritual traditions as a tool for introspective evaluation and spiritual growth, fasting is truly just a simple process of deep physiological rest. The goal is to harbor as much energy as possible for the healing work at hand. That means rest on every level, including all the senses. The more time spent being quiet, serene and introspective, the better. For this reason, fasting is also a profound tool for creating a more mindful, self-aware life, and resolving compulsive addictive behavior.

Fasting promotes fat breakdown, weight loss, detoxification and repair like nothing else, and is one of the most powerful approaches for resolving inflammation and the complications of autoimmune disease. The body-mind changes evoked by the fasting process make it one of the most efficient and powerful tools to jumpstart any new health program in general, and a significant and successful long-term weight loss program in particular.

Dr. Frank Sabatino is a chiropractic physician with a Ph.D. in cell biology and neuroendocrinology from the Emory University School of Medicine. He is the author of the book WEIGHTLESS: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life and the online course: Lean for Life: The Science of Effective Weight Loss. He serves on the medical advisory board of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and is the Director of Health Education for The National Health Association as well as a research consultant for the True North Health Foundation and the Complementary Medical Association (CMA) in England.

Balance for Life Florida is a retreat center where people can experience supervised water-only fasting. Call 954-947-5888 or visit BalanceForLifeFlorida.com for program and reservation information. See ads on pages 13 and 21.

Photo by hub.jhu.edu

Helping Kids Cope GUIDING CHILDREN THROUGH TRAUMA AND ANXIETY

by Carrie Jackson

their brains.”

According to Dr. Carol Penn, author of Meditation in a Time of Madness: A Guidebook for Talented Tweens, Teens, Their Parents & Guardians Who Need to Thrive, “Fear is a natural phenomenon. It’s how we’re hardwired to survive as a species. However, when fear turns into anxiety and the body enters a chronic state of hyper-arousal with raised cortisol levels, it can be debilitating. This shortens attention spans and disrupts the hypothalamic loop, which deals with creating short-term memory, causing kids to lose the ability to engrain long-term learning.”

Children today are facing ever-increasing amounts of stress and anxiety. In addition to academic pressure, bullying and family dynamics, kids are worried about navigating social media, climate change and school shootings. While a certain amount of stress is normal and healthy, too much can cause debilitating physical, emotional and cognitive effects. A 2010 study published by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, at Harvard University, reports that persistent fear and chronic anxiety can have lifelong consequences by disrupting the developing architecture of the brain. Parents can help anxious kids by modeling stress-management and problem-solving techniques, and inviting their children to talk about their feelings.

ACKNOWLEDGING AND COPING WITH FEAR

While each child’s anxiety is unique, the themes are often universal. “Children fear not being liked, being made fun of, failing when they try new things, getting hurt, losing a loved one, being left out and not fitting in. If this list seems familiar, it’s because they are all the same fears adults have too,” says Michelle Nelson-Schmidt, an author and illustrator of 32 children’s books, including What If I Know My Feelings? and The Whatif Monster series. “It is debilitating when we don’t talk about our fears and anxieties. Children often don’t have the vocabulary to verbalize their fears, so they bottle it up, letting fears get bigger and scarier. The earlier they learn that it’s okay to be scared, to talk about their fears and to ask for help, the less power fear and anxiety will have over

Penn notes that kids can pick up on their parents’ anxiety, so it is imperative to model self-care and create a soothing home environment. “Children are unsettled when their parents are unsettled. By observing body language and energy, kids can intuitively gauge when something is wrong, and they often make up stories about why,” she explains. “Teaching kids to take regular breaks throughout the day for relaxed awareness encourages them to notice a mind-body connection. Take two minutes before getting out of the car or starting a new activity to pay attention to your breath and observe and label pain or tension in the body. If you are hunching your shoulders or clenching your jaw, make mindful adjustments to reset and settle the body and nervous system.”

OVERCOMING ANXIETY AFTER A TRAUMATIC EVENT

Last year, Highland Park, Illinois, experienced the improbable yet possible event of a mass shooting during their Fourth of

July parade. “While the community worked to rediscover a sense of safety, our school focused on the necessary structures and initiatives to help students heal and rebuild,” says Holly Fleischer, the assistant principal of diversity, equity and inclusion at Highland Park High School. “As we started the school year, we recommitted to a focus on social-emotional learning by teaching strategies to manage emotions, sustain healthy relationships, develop an awareness of self and make healthy decisions. By practicing coping skills with everyday stressors, our students are learning to develop feelings of control, safety and resiliency as they navigate a traumatic experience or event.”

According to Fleischer, “While there is little control of one’s outside world and circumstances, kids can find calm in a storm through strategies like deep breathing, recognizing your five senses, listening to music, reaching out to loved ones, using ice packs for sensory intervention and giving oneself a strong bear hug. Students will get to know which ones work for them. It is also essential to disrupt maladaptive coping mechanisms like avoidance, which do not allow for the practice of these healthier ways of self-management.”

BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR THE FUTURE

“Thoughts are the language of the mind, and feelings are the language of the body,” Penn counsels. “When stress develops, have kids draw three pictures identifying what it looks like for them. The first is a picture of themselves right now; the second is the challenge they’re facing; and the third is how they will feel when the challenge is resolved. This gives children control over their feelings, allowing them to self-soothe and creatively work through challenging situations. When children learn to be adaptable, flexible and imaginative critical thinkers, they can respond to even the darkest days and move forward with grace and hope.”

Astro Maps

Transform any moment in time into an astrological work of art.

Astro Maps are one-of-a-kind works of art based on the astrological chart of any moment of your choosing. This unique offering takes form as either a commissioned painting or a customized print. Both options include a basic astrological reading and a reference guide.

Astro Maps make a perfect and personalized gift for your favorite space-nerds and art-lovers to celebrate their once-ina-lifetime moments!

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

Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.

C. S. Lewis

BIRTHDAY | ANNIVERSARY | NEW BABY NEWLYWEDS | THE MOMENT THEY MET

SELECTION, PLANTING AND Fall Care of Hydrangeas

by Melinda Myers

This is a great time to plant a few new hydrangeas in the garden. These versatile shrubs make colorful screens, focal points and combine nicely with other plants in mixed borders. Then make sure all new and existing hydrangeas receive the needed care to prepare them for the winter ahead.

Those looking for native options are in luck. Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), native to Illinois and much of the eastern United States, has been a traditional favorite for shady spots in the garden. Many refer to this group of hydrangeas as Annabelle-type, due to the notoriety of this variety. Smooth hydrangeas combine nicely with other shade-tolerant plants like hostas, astilbes and ferns. The large, round flowers start out green, then turn to white and eventually back to green. Annabelle-type hydrangeas will tolerate more sun as long as the soil is moist but not soggy wet.

Because these hydrangeas flower on new growth, prune them any time during the dormant season. Consider pruning them in late winter, after the worst weather has passed and before growth begins to enjoy the winter interest the dried flowers provide. Promote more sturdy growth by cutting all the stems back to 12 to 15 inches above the ground. Next, remove half of these back to ground level. The older stems provide support for new growth sprouting at the base of the plant. Or, cut all the stems back to several inches above the ground, but plants pruned this way tend to be floppier.

Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) come in a variety of sizes, are hardy and require minimal care. Grow these in full sun for maximum flowering or in a partially shaded location where they will also perform well. Panicle hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil but once established will tolerate drier conditions than other hydrangeas.

The large, cone-shaped flowers of panicle hydrangeas generally start white and mature to shades of pink and red. Like Annabelle hydrangeas, these reliable blooming

shrubs flower on new growth. They require very little pruning to perform their best. Just remove crossing, damaged and weak stems as needed. Thinning the plants to five to 10 primary shoots will encourage larger flowers. Avoid severe pruning that can result in weak, floppy growth.

The other North American native hydrangea is the oakleaf (Hydrangea quercifolia). This shade-tolerant shrub provides four seasons of beauty. The deep green, oak-leaf-shaped leaves make a nice backdrop for other shade plants. The late summer cone-shaped flowers start out white and mature to pink and eventually brown. The fall color is outstanding, with a mixture of bronze, maroon and purple. Once the leaves drop, the exfoliating orange bark is revealed to brighten up the winter landscape.

This hydrangea flowers on the previous season’s growth. Limit pruning to crossing and broken branches and dead wood in the spring. Prune right after flowering to control the size.

Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla ) are the colorful pink and blue hydrangeas that have been mainstays of southern gardens for decades. They bloom on the previous season’s growth that is often killed to the ground by our cold winters. Repeat blooming varieties now allow northern gardeners to enjoy their blossoms. They flower on old growth if it survives, and again on new growth.

Increase the chance of an early-season floral display by allowing the plants to stand for winter. Cover them with straw or evergreen boughs for added insulation. Wait for the buds to swell in spring and remove any dead stems and dead growth above the swollen buds. Even with added insulation, the whole plant may only need pruning back to ground level.

Grow bigleaf hydrangeas in moist, well-drained soil in a location that receives full sun with some afternoon shade. The flowers will be blue in acid soil and pink in

Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com

LEFT: Native oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

alkaline or high-pH soils like those in northern Illinois. Enthusiastic gardeners can change pink blossoms to blue by applying aluminum sulfate to the soil from spring through July. Be sure to read and follow label directions.

Improve flowering by keeping the soil moist, but not wet, throughout the growing season. Fertilize in spring with an organic nitrogen fertilizer that contains flower-promoting phosphorous that is available to the plant.

Proper care throughout the growing season is the best preparation for winter. Continue watering hydrangeas as needed throughout the fall thoroughly whenever the top few inches of soil are crumbly and moist. Wait until spring to fertilize, and then only if needed. Late-season fertilization may stimulate late-season growth that is more subject to winter injury.

Extend the enjoyment by growing a variety of hydrangeas to provide blooms from

summer into fall, then cut and enjoy a few to enjoy indoors, fresh or dried.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses How to Grow Anything instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. For more information, visit MelindaMyers.com

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The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.

—Alfred Austin

Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com

Native smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball’)

SEPTEMBER IS THE Time for Prairie Dock to Shine

When European settlers came to what is now the Chicago region, they encountered an unusual plant with huge, spade-shaped leaves at the base of the plant and a slender green stalk rising above their heads. Called prairie dock, it’s one of the longest-lived species in the prairie, and September is its time to shine. “In the prairie or the garden, it’s the star,” says Pam Karlson, who recently planted prairie dock in her bird-friendly Chicago

One plant can be a specimen in the garden. A mass gathering of them in a large space, including prairies and grasslands, can be the most noticeable plant in late summer as its multiple yellow flowers rise eight feet in the air at the top of the stalk, looking like suspended stars.

Prairie dock mostly grows in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Wisconsin. It’s the last species of the native Silphium family to bloom in summer. An earlier bloomer is the compass plant, which also has long, tall stalks with yellow multi-petal flowers. But the compass plant has completely different leaves. They also arise from the base of the plant, but are deeply lobed and look almost like an extra-large pin

The compass plant species name, laciniatum , comes from Latin, meaning deeply cut, referring to its leaves. The species name terebinfor the prairie dock means “like turpentine”, and some say that’s what this plant smells like, referring to the resinous sap both prairie dock and compass plant exude. Botanists recommend not ingesting any part of prairie dock or compass plant because the species may be toxic

Both compass plant and prairie plant have sandpalike leaves that help the plants deal with drought. The roots can extend 10 feet or more below the soil, reaching to the water table, also helping them deal with dry conditions. Both species orient in a north-south direction, which gains maximum sunlight for photosynthesis and minimizes water loss due to transpiration, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “In-mid summer, the leaves feel cool to the touch,” writes author Christopher David Benda in his prairie plant species accounts on the department’s website. Compass plants begin blooming earlier than prairie dock, but even in September, a few may still hold their flowers. Karlson has grown another Silphium species called cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) in her yard for at least 20 years. This plant has large

Photo by Steven D. Bailey.

The Compass plant has large, deeply lobed leaves.

leaves going up the stalk, with two forming a cup where rainwater gathers. Karlson says cup plants begin blooming in July and often extend into September. “I’ve heard of cup plants taking over a garden, but it hasn’t in our yard,” she says. What it has done is give her lovely experiences. “Several years ago, I watched a yellow warbler drinking water from the plant. It was really cool.”

However, she notes, “Our stand of cup plants did jump to a spot behind our fence that borders the alley. That stand has gotten pretty large and looks lovely, brightening up the alley and peeking over our fence in bloom. One of the benefits of it growing there is that it has tremendously helped the flooding issue in the alley.”

She decided to experiment and grow prairie dock this season. “I saw it in a native plant garden walk in Oak Park. I’ve been admiring how the plant grows. It’s cool and interesting. I think it will be a really interesting statement in a garden,” Karlson relates after purchasing a small, one-gallon pot of prairie dock from a nearby garden shop that sells native plants. She planted it in a sunny spot, a requirement for growing the Silphiums.

The gardener that wants to plan prairie dock needs to be patient. As John Hilty writes in Illinois Wildflowers, “Prairie dock is rather slow to develop, but it is very reliable and nearly indestructible at maturity

RIGHT: Prairie dock blooms at Grant Woods Forest Preserve in Lake County. (IllinoisWildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/ pr_dockx.htm).

Botanist and retired director of field surveysfor the Illinois Natural History Survey Randy Nyboer transplanted a small prairie dock about eight years ago into his native prairie garden in Morrison. It started out as a six-inch-long, pencil-like root. In August 2022, it began blooming. “It has skyrocketed to a nine-foot cane. The leaves are huge,” he says.

Here are some other places in northern Illinois to see blooming prairie dock: Glacial Park Conservation Area, Ringwood Butler Lake, Libertyville West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve, West Chicago Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry County Grant Woods Forest Preserve, Lake Villa

Nachusa Grasslands, Franklin Grove

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Wilmington

Rewards for growing prairie dock include watching the many pollinators it attracts, including bumblebees, monarch butterflies and even hummingbirds. “Goldfinches also love prairie dock,” says Arlene Doran, a member of the Gardeners of Central Lake County. She has watched goldfinches in fall eating the seeds where she planted prairie dock at a beach in Mundelein. “It’s been a little happy there,” says Doran, who has thinned some of the plants and thrown some stalks with seeds near a ravine in her backyard. “Now I have prairie dock,” she says. “Each year by the end of August, they start blooming.” Tossing prairie dock seeds in a yard doesn’t work for everyone,” she cautions. “Gardeners will discover what works and doesn’t work in their yards when it comes to planting the silphium species.”

Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve, Westchester

Prairie dock has been planted by Chicago region park districts and managers of natural areas and forest preserves to give visitors a taste of what settlers saw centuries ago. For example, Park No. 540 at 24th and Federal Street, in Chicago has a natural area that runs along the park’s southern and western borders. The Chicago Park District has planted native wildflowers that bloom throughout the seasons, beginning with golden Alexander in late spring and ending with prairie dock in late summer.

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

Photo by Steven D. Bailey.

Photo by Steven D. Bailey.

Photo by Steven D. Bailey.

LEFT: Cup plant leaves are arranged to gather water, which attracts thirsty birds on hot summer days.

Prairie dock leaves are large, spadeshaped and at the base of the plant with a sandpaper-like texture.

CHICAGO’S

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

Events or services may be cancelled, postponed or are offered online. Call and check websites for up-to-date information.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Customer Appreciation Day at Fruitful Yield Batavia – 9am-7pm. Come in and let us show you how much we appreciate you. Not a Fruitful Yield customer? Get ready to sign up for a loyalty membership and enjoy special promotions and deals every week. Enjoy extra demos, samples, raffles and knowledgeable staff ready to help with all your supplement and health food needs. Free. Fruitful Yield, 155 N Randall Rd, Batavia. FruitfulYield.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Labor Day

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Women’s Health Check Screening –9am-5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. 1010 Lake St, Ste 200, Oak Park. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com

ONLINE: Basics of Jaw Massage – Tuesdays, Sept 5-26. 10am-12pm. Learn about the anatomy, function and kinesiology of the jaw, common conditions that affect the jaw, and techniques for providing effective jaw massage. Will cover a range of modalities. 8 CE. $200. $200. Zoom. Zen Shiatsu Chicago: 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Show Us Your Favorite Garden Tool –6:30-8:30pm. Darien Garden Club members and guests are invited to bring their favorite garden tool to the meeting. Be prepared to explain why this is your favorite, including information such as where you purchased it and what makes it the best tool in your garden shed or garage. Free. St John Lutheran Church, 7214 S Cass Ave, Darien. Tinyurl.com/ToolTalk23.

Practical Self-Care – 7-7:30pm. In this time of unrelenting changes, we can easily forget to re-find center and ground. Join us for TLC and self-care so you can discover a kinder, calmer version of you. With Sarah Karnes. Suggested donation $15-$25. Meetup.com/ spiritual-nourishment-chicagoland

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Krishna Janmashtami (Hinduism)

Green Drinks McHenry County – 5-7pm. 1st Wed. Bring Back the Pollinators: Cherishing Our Native Bees with Brandie Dunn. In-person & Zoom. Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake. GreenDrinks.org/IL/Crystal%20Lake.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Group Yoga: Stress Relief for Mind, Body & Soul – 9-10am. With Aimee Forsberg Ottosen. Group Vini-yoga class. Will use movement, breath, guided meditation and other yoga tools to feel ease, to feel better, and to gain new perspectives. First class free; $20. Center for Healing and Integration, 700 E Ogden, Ste 304, Westmont. 630-828-2953. CenterForHealingAnd Integration.janeapp.com

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Regency Towers, 1415 W 22nd St, Tower Fl, Oak Brook. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com

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

Beginning Zen Shiatsu – Thursdays, Sept 7-Nov 9. 7-10pm. 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.org

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Potawatomi Prairie Perspectives Guided Walk – 8:30-9:30am or 10:15-11:15am. With ethnobotanist and Prairie Band Potawatomi citizen Gina Roxas. Learn about Indigenous perspectives on plants, cultural connections to the prairie and how traditional practices continue to shape Indigenous peoples’ identities today. $32. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org

Dr. Chi Lecture, Book Signing & Tongue and Fingernail Analysis – Sept 8-9. 7-9pm, Sept 8 lecture; 9am-5pm, Sept 8-9 analysis. With Dr. Tsu Tsair Chi, an international expert in the Eastern medicine art of tongue and fingernail analysis. He will explain how changes in the tongue and nails may indicate issues with digestion, heart and lung disease, thyroid conditions, hormonal imbalances, blood sugar issues and more. Lecture free; personal analysis: $50 and nails must be free of polish or acrylic. Rozich Chiropractic, 8000 W 159th St, Ste 2W, Orland Park. Registration required: 714-777-1542.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Transitions with Grace and Mindfulness – 9-10am. Change and transition are constants in life. Moves, job changes, hormones, relationships and children evolving, all offer great opportunities for our growth and varying levels of stress. Join us for a guided meditation and creative exploration that help you feel more energy and clarity as you move forward. Optional donation via paypal. Meetup.com/spiritual-nourishment-chicagoland

TheosoFEST Mind, Body, Spirit Festival – 10am-5pm. Includes talks on meditation, Buddhism, holistic healing and more. Vegetarian food, a holistic marketplace showcasing more than 100 vendors, a festive Kids’ Korner, intuitive readings, labyrinth walks, tai chi and yoga, and more. Admission free, $5 parking. Theosophical Society, 1926 N Main St, Wheaton. 630-668-1571 x 315. Theosophical.org/theosofest

Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine: Healing with Herbs – 10:30am-12pm. Learn the principles and techniques of healing with herbs. With Chinese cultural educator Yvonne Wolf. $27. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org

Reiki + Pets – 11am-1pm. Join Practitioner Jennifer in this workshop to explore the methods of using reiki with pets. There will be a raffle for a free Reiki for Pets session. Reiki for Pets will be a new service offered by the Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary. $25. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

Crystal Chat – 12-2pm. With Janel. Bring your questions and be ready to receive information. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Underneath IV: The Prairie – 1-2:30pm. Delve into the prairie to find out what lives there and what makes it unique. We will begin inside the nature center to learn a little about prairies and what we’ll be looking for. Then we’ll hike to explore Underneath: The Prairie firsthand and get our hands dirty investigating our own piece of prairie. Free. Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Rd, Bolingbrook. Register by Sept 7: 815-722-4121. ReconnectWithNature.org

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

Exploring the Tarot/Oracle using a Pendulum – 1-3pm. With Eilleen. $20. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

ONLINE: Chicago IANDS – 2pm. Support/ study/resource forum for near-death, outof-body and spiritual experiences, losses. Guest speaker: Sally Littleton, PhD, NDEr, many STEs, psychologist, transitioned to reiki healing; owner, founder, Master Teacher and practitioner at Enlightenment Reiki Healing Association, in Traverse City, MI. Become a free subscriber to Chicago IANDS by filling in the form online. $20 tax-deductible donation requested (see website). For more info: 847-251-5758 or ChicagoIANDS.org

ONLINE: History at Home: History of Sleep – 2-2:30pm. Investigate one of our most basic needs throughout history and then briefly explore our current understanding of sleep and well-being. Free. Zoom. Registration required by Sept 9: ReconnectWithNature.org

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

ONLINE: Balancing Hormonal Health –10am-1pm. Explore the triad of health, the foundations of the endocrine system and the stressors that impact your hormonal balance with Naomi Smith, DC, LAT. Obtain easy lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact on your hormonal health

to experience a more balanced life. Recorded for later viewing. 3 CEUs available. $45, $35/10 days advance. Zoom. InfinityFoundation.org

Holistic Health Fair – 10am-5pm. Explore holistic health and metaphysical topics, local vendors, speakers and energy workers with a wide range of products and services. $10/ online, $12/day of, free/16 & under. DoubleTree by Hilton Libertyville-Mundelein, 510 E IL Rte 83, Mundelein. 262-515-1472. HolisticHealthFair.org

Healing Through the Akashic Records – 2-5pm. Ask Janel to open your Akashic Records and guide you on a journey to your own personal healing space. Feel the loving, healing energy of your Masters, teachers, loved ones and guides. $40/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

I-Ching Oracle Card Readings – 2-5pm. With Andre Peraza, intuitive reader and artist. He designed his own oracle card deck based on the ancient Chinese oracle of change, I-Ching. Andre’s I-Ching oracle card deck will help you find answers to everyday challenges and provide guidance through possibilities in your life. $40/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. The Plaza, 100 Illinois St, Ste 200, St Charles. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com

Reiki Level 1 – 10am-5pm. Get attuned to reiki which enables you to become a channel for this healing energy. Also start a 21-day energetic cleanse that moves through your chakras cleaning and releasing bound energy (including stuck emotions and behavioral patterns). 6 CEs, $150. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

“Fall Asleep, Stay Asleep” Health Chat –6-7pm. Join Jessica for a discussion on the importance of a good night’s rest and some tips to help improve your sleep. Attendees receive a coupon towards a future purchase. Fruitful Yield, 1124 Douglas Rd, Oswego. 630-554-3304. FruitfulYield.com

Overcoming Frustration & Anger Public

Talk – 7-8:30pm. Also Sept 13, Oak Park. Take control over your mind and learn about the cool, spacious mind of patience. Learn practical methods and meditations to remain balanced, flexible and peaceful even when things go wrong. Led by Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Zamling. Enjoy this talk on its own, or as an introduction to an 8-wk series: Freedom from Frustration & Anger. $12. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Wicker Park, 2010 W Pierce Ave, Chicago. 708-763-0132. MeditateInChicago.org

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

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

Free Community Meditation – 7-8pm. Doors close at 7:05pm. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-7493922. ShopSacredGround.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

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

Overcoming Frustration & Anger Public Talk – 7-8:30pm. See Sept 11 listing. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Oak Park, 13 Harrison St, Oak Park. 708-763-0132. MeditateInChicago.org

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

ONLINE: Beginning Astrology Level 1 – Wednesdays, Sept 13-Oct 18. 7:309:30pm. Learn planets, signs, houses, aspects, interpretation, transits. Beginner or know some astrology, this course provides what’s necessary to go forward in your own astrological studies. $180, $150 by Sept 6. Zoom. For info & registration: 773-327-7224 or Info@LifeForceArts.org LifeForceArts.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

New Moon

Kben den go-nah – Moon of Deer Has Full Tail Card Reading – 1-4pm. With Robert. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Reflexology – 2-6pm. With Cheryl. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Latinex Heritage Month starts (Sept 15-Oct 15)

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown (Judaism) World Cleanup Day

Reflexology – 2-6pm. With Cheryl. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Int’l Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer Mexican Independence Day

Celebración de los Árboles (Celebration of Trees) – Experience the diverse and vibrant cultures of Latin America through music, dance and food. Included with timed-entry admission. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. MortonArb.org

Immune Health 2.0 Health Chat – 11am. Are you dealing with a cold, seasonal reaction or respiratory concerns? Could the gut lining be a factor? Let’s chat. Attendees receive a coupon good towards a future purchase. Fruitful Yield, 135 N Addison Ave, Elmhurst. FruitfulYield.com

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

Fall on the Farm – 11am-3pm. Visit the farm for some old-fashioned fun and learn about life on the farmstead. Free. Riverview Farmstead Preserve, Book Rd, Naperville. ReconnectWithNature.org

Energetic Infusions Workshop – 4-6pm. Take your energy healing to the next level with Eve Muir-Wilson, energy practitioner and teacher. Learn to connect with your spirit team and receive infusions of energy to help release, clear and recharge your energy field. Create a simple daily routine of intentional energy to help raise your frequency, align your chakras, seal your energy field and more. $40. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Intuitive Readings – 2-5pm. Bobbi Williams’ intuitive readings speak to your soul’s journey to provide guidance and understanding. She opens portals for communication from loved ones in Spirit (mediumship reading) and provides spiritual guidance on the Earth plane (psychic reading). $40/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

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

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

World Water Monitoring Day

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Park Ridge Plaza, 350 S Northwest Hwy, Ste 300, Park Ridge. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com

“Fall Asleep, Stay Asleep” Health Chat –6-7pm. Join Jessica for a discussion on the importance of a good night’s rest and some tips to help improve your sleep. Attendees receive a coupon towards a future purchase. Fruitful Yield, 425 N La Grange Rd, La Grange Park. FruitfulYield.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Card Reading – 5:30-7pm. With Robert. Card reading aims to explore questions about the self or gain insight into the past, present or future. $20/15 mins, $30/30 mins. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

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

Life Mission Exploration – 7:30-8:30pm. Uncover clues and insights so you can move forward with more purpose and meaning. Why am I here? What am I here to do? Who am I here to become? Each session is custom created for, and with, those in attendance. $15-$25 suggested donation. More info & registration, Sarah Karnes: 262-7458362 or Meetup.com/spiritual-nourishment-chicagoland

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

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

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

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Zero Emissions Day

Group Yoga: Stress Relief for Mind, Body & Soul – 9-10am. With Aimee Forsberg Ottosen. Group Vini-yoga class. Will use movement, breath, guided meditation and other yoga tools to feel ease, to feel better, and to gain new perspectives. First class free; $20. Center for Healing and Integration, 700 E Ogden, Ste 304, Westmont. 630-828-2953. CenterForHealingAndIntegration.janeapp.com

Reflexology – 2-6pm. With Cheryl. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

World Car-Free Day

5th International and Scientific Pyramid Conference: Pyramid Secrets – Sept 22-24. An amazing group of international speakers, 2 initiations and several 2-hr workshops, remarkable vendors, along with a Saturday night vegetarian buffet. $125. Golden Pyramid House, Gurnee. 773-456-9202. GlobalPyramidConference.com

7th Annual Women’s Mycelium Mysteries Conference – Sept 22-24. Hosted by Midwest Women’s Herbal focusing on all things in the mushroom world. Workshops offered at the beginner through advanced levels on topics such as wild mushroom skills, fungal ecology, fungi and human health, and ethnomycology. Keynote speakers are Katherine MacLean, PhD, Cornelia Cho, MD, and Anne Pringle, PhD. Almond, WI. Tickets & to register: MidwestWomensHerbal.com

Open House & Avacen Pain Relief Event – 9am-3pm. OsteoStrong Wilmette will introduce the Avacen device. Avacen delivers heat through the palm of your hand increasing microcirculation and is a drugfree alternative to the management of pain and other chronic conditions. OsteoStrong, 126 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette. Register for a complimentary session: 847-224-8616. OsteoStrong.me

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

Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Touch –9am-4pm. Explore a range of trauma-conscious bodywork techniques that can be implemented in a range of body-centered care practices. Also investigate strategies we can implement to subtly shift any technique in any modality to accommodate a more trauma-informed perspective. 6 CEs. $150. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Autumn Equinox Hike – 10-11:30am. Celebrate the first day of fall with a guided hike through The Morton Arboretum’s natural areas. $23. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org.

Reflexology – 2-6pm. With Cheryl. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Autumn Equinox

Mabobn (Wiccan)

Big Fall Book Sale – Sept 23, 25-30; Oct 2-7. The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County annual fundraiser. Tens of thousands of gently used books will be for sale at bargain prices. Algonquin Township Road District Building B, 3702 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake. 815-338-0393. MCDEF.org

Gemz and Boardz May Pop-Up Shop – Join us and amazing vendors at our shop. Gemz and Boardz, 3101 W Montrose Ave, Chicago. 872-218-0307. GemzAndBoardz.com

Pelican Watch – 11am-3pm. Enjoy live pelican presentations at 11am and 1pm in the Four Rivers Grand Hall (limited seating available). Guided hikes will lead you to the pelican hotspots, and family-friendly activities. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. ReconnectWithNature.org

Crystal Grids for Manifestation – 2-4pm. With Janel. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Yom Kippur begins at sundown (Judaism)

2 M isconceptions about

Bladder Pain and Urinary Tract Infections ( UTI s )

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

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

Illuminate Naperville: Mind-Body-Spirit-Arts Festival – 10am-5pm. Join us for a wonder-filled day of arts and wellness. Exhibitors may include aura photography, bodywork, energywork including reiki, original art, vetted intuitive readers, crystals, essential oils, handmade jewelry and gift items, luxurious spa products, and more. Free admission, free workshops, low-cost services. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Chicago Marriott Naperville, 1801 N Naper Blvd, Naperville. IlluminateFestivals.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Mawlid-Al-Nabi begins at sundown (Islam) World Environmental Health Day

ONLINE: Accessing the Akashic Records

Beginning Class – Sept 26-28. 9:30am1:30pm. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center Chicago hosts spiritual teacher and healer Christina Cross for this beginning class that prepares individuals to work in their own Akashic Records and those of others. Cross helps pupils understand how to work in the Records for a clearer connection with Source and gain supportive insight. guidance and wisdom. $250, $225/ARE member. Zoom. HolisticCenterChicago.com

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

Get Expert Help.

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

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

Let’s get you feeling better.

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Women’s Health Check Screening – 9am5pm. By appt. Thermography by Northwest Medical Screening. Corporate 500, 500 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 350, Deerfield. 224-600-3216. NWMedicalScreening.com

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

Reflexology – 2-6pm. With Cheryl. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Reiki Healing Circle – 6-7pm. Join us to refresh and restore your energy field, allowing your body to heal. We look forward to helping you improve your overall well-being and helping you to experience deeper states of relaxation. Free. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

Seed Saving and Sips – 6-8pm. Learn the basics of flower seed saving. Meet a few easy-to-grow flowers and get to know their growth habits, pollinators and uses. Then spend some time harvesting and sorting seeds to save and plant in your garden next spring. BYOB; Age 21+. $5/person. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. Registration required by Sept 20: 708-946-2216. ReconnectWithNature.org

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 29

Full Moon, Harvest Moon, Autumn Moon

Mid-Autumn Harvest Moon Festival

World Rivers Day

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

ONLINE: Attracting Joyful Relationships – 10am-1pm. Love and joy are inextricably connected because they both describe your core essence. Gain insights into the frustration and futility of seeking love from others before activating it fully within yourself. Join Lisa McCourt and Rob Mack and challenge your long-held beliefs, opinions, and default-thinking patterns about love and relationships using provocative self-inquiry exercises. Recorded for later viewing. 3 CEUs available. $40, $35/10 days advance. Zoom. InfinityFoundatiion.org

Illinois Solar Tour – 10am-3pm. Features more than 80 separate public events throughout the state that demonstrate how homes and businesses are using solar, wind, geothermal, passive solar design, energy efficiency and more to be energy independent. More info: IllinoisSolar.org/ Illinois-Solar-Tour

PLAN AHEAD

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2

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

Illuminate Bloomington, Normal: MindBody-Spirit-Arts Festival – 10am-5pm. Join us for a wonder-filled day of arts and wellness. Exhibitors may include aura photography, bodywork, energywork including reiki, original art, vetted intuitive readers, crystals, essential oils, handmade jewelry and gift items, luxurious spa products, and more. Free admission, free workshops, low-cost services. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Holiday Inn Bloomington, 8 Traders Cir, Normal. IlluminateFestivals.com

Immune Health 2.0 Health Chat – 11am. Are you dealing with a cold, seasonal reaction or respiratory concerns? Could the gut lining be a factor? Let’s chat. Attendees receive a coupon good towards a future purchase. Fruitful Yield, 229 W Roosevelt Rd, Lombard. FruitfulYield.com

Paint and Take a Rain Barrel – 1-3pm. Learn about water conservation activities your family can incorporate at home. Each family will paint a rain barrel to take home to install and help conserve precious freshwater. Free. Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Rd, Bolingbrook. Register by Sept 24: 815-722-4121. ReconnectWithNature.org.

Self-Care Silent Retreat – 2-5pm. Enjoy guided meditations that enable you to experience the extraordinary potential for happiness and emotional freedom that is the actual nature of your mind. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Includes practical instruction and guided meditation. $30. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Wicker Park, 2010 W Pierce Ave, Chicago. 708-763-0132. MeditateInChicago.org

Full Moon Gong Bath – 6:30-8pm. With Andre. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Sound Healing & Tea Ceremony – 6:308pm. Join Titi and Monika in a meditative gong-cha-inspired tea ceremony, followed by sound healing. Begin the practice by setting your intention in the sacred space held by Titi. Ground yourself in a meditative tea experience that teaches you to slow down to appreciate the beauty of simplicity weaving in elements of chado and chanoyu. Monika will then lead a relaxing sound healing. $50. Center for Healing and Integration, 700 E Ogden, Ste 304, Westmont. 630-828-2953. CenterForHealingAndIntegration.janeapp.com

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

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

Balance for Life Florida Retreats – Oct 8-14 and Oct 15-21. Balance for Life Retreat has partnered with the world-class Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort, allowing you to experience a true juice cleanse, Slash detox or water fast, or a plant-based, whole foods all-inclusive smart vacation. Guests enjoy plant-based cuisine, fun fitness classes, education, and time for pampering and exploring. Doctor Frank Sabatino, will give live health and wellness talks every day. Stay 2 weeks and enjoy 1 night free. Plus bring a friend for 50% off. Wyndham Beach Resort, 2096 NE 2nd St, Deerfield Beach, FL. 800-663-292. Info@BalanceForLifeFlorida.com BalanceForLifeFlorida.com

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

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

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

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

Body Mind Spirit Expo – Oct 21-22. 10am7pm, Sat; 10am-6pm, Sun. Immerse yourself in the holistic community with our incredible 100+ performers & vendors. $15. Midwest Conference Center, 401 W Lake St, Chicago. BMSE.net

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4

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

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

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

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10

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

Check Online:

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

ONGOING EVENTS

To ensure we keep our community calendar current, ongoing events must be resubmitted each month. DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Calendar events must be submitted online at NAChicago.com/Calendar.

DAILY

Free New Patient Visit – Thru Sept. With Dr Taqvi. Visit includes exam and X-rays only. Integrative Dental Health (Bennardo Defining Smiles), 87 S McLean Blvd, Ste B, South Elgin. 847-888-8311. ArtisticSmileDoctor.com

Woods Walk Challenge – Sept 1-Nov 30. Experience 10 of Will County’s best trails during their fall splendor. Trails range from 1.04 miles to 5.99 miles in length, and each trail offers its own unique experience. The deadline to submit a completed travel log is Dec 31. Free. More info: ReconnectWithNature.org

Monarch’s First Flight – Thru Sept 22. 1010:30am, Tues-Sat; 1-1:30pm, Sun. Each day, nature center staff will tag and release any butterflies that have emerged from their chrysalides. Free. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. Confirm there are monarchs ready to be released: 708-946-2216. ReconnectWithNature.org

Hidden Water Hunt – Sept 1-30. 10am4pm, Wed-Sat; 12-4pm, Sun. How much do you conserve water? Head out to our playscape along the trail to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm to find out. There are hidden water drops along the way with tips on how to be more sustainable and conserve water. After the hike, check back inside with the nature center front desk to see if you found them all and earn a sweet treat. Free. Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Rd, Bolingbrook. ReconnectWithNature.org

SUNDAY

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

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

Free Aura Reading – 12:30-1:30pm. Also Sat. Learn more about your chakra energy system and manifest your dreams. Body &

Brain, 860 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville. RSVP: 847-362-2724. BodyNBrain.com/ Libertyville

MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

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

Tummy Whisperer Podcast – 1:30pm. With Renee Barasch. Listeners can hear her speak live on Apple, Spotify and Facebook, or listen to the podcast at any time. Episode 1, “The Importance of Gut Health: Exploring the World of Digestive Wellness,” is available for 24/7 streaming. For more info: 847207-2034 or DigestiveHealthSolutions. com

WEDNESDAY

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

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

Become Fearless – Thru Sept 6. 7-8:30pm. By practicing meditation and special ways of thinking based on Buddha’s timeless wisdom, you can gradually and definitely let go of your fears, replace them with constructive and peaceful states of mind, and thereby become a fearless person. In this way you become your own protector and a protector for others. All welcome. $12. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Oak Park, 13 Harrison St, Oak Park. 708-763-0132. MeditateInChicago.org

THURSDAY

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

FRIDAY

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

SATURDAY

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

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

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

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

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

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine

CALANDRA CENTER FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS

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

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

Facebook @CalandraAcuChi

CalandraAcupuncture.com

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

NIRVANA ACUPUNCTURE AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE LANA MOSHKOVICH, LAC, ND, MSOM

707 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 125, Deerfield 60015 847-715-9044

NirvanaNaturopathics.com

We use acupuncture to help you get immediate relief from acute or chronic pain. Combining Western and Chinese Medicine, we can treat and resolve insomnia, anxiety, fertility and women’s health issues, plus chronic conditions. Certified NAET. Preferred MeiZen Provider. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. Major insurances accepted. Schedule your initial appointment on NirvanaNaturopathics.com. Get a healthier and alternative approach to your chronic health conditions. See ad on page 37.

Bodywork

MAGIC HANDS THERAPEUTIC BODYWORK

Deb Lawrence Wheaton and Bartlett 630-202-3641

MagicHandsBirth.com

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

ZEN SHIATSU CHICAGO

825 Chicago Ave, Evanston 60202 847-864-1130

ZenShiatsuChicago.org

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

Bookstores

THE GREEN READ

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

THE GREEN SPOT

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

TheGreenReadBookstore@gmail.com

mcdef.org/bookstores

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

Community Hub

AWAKE: ONENESS TRIBE

Suburban Chicagoland

AwakeOnenessTribe.org

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

Crystal and Rock Stores

GEMZ AND BOARDZ

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

Retail and online 90s-themed crystal and skateboard shop with an amazing selection of rocks and crystals, handmade jewelry, local products, boards and more at great prices. We’re also an internet café for work and relaxing with coffee and tea available. Check out our events, pop-ups, game nights and facility party rental options.

Digestive Health Specialist

RENEÉ S. BARASCH, LDHS

Telehealth and In-Office 847-207-2034

DigestiveHealthSolutions.com

Digestive problems? Acid Reflux/ GERD, IBS, Crohn’s, colitis? Let us help you naturally achieve nutritional balance, feel better and enhance the quality of your life. Improve digestion while reducing discomfort and bloating so you can eat the foods you love again. Certified digestive health specialist/enzyme therapist. See ads on pages 7 and 47.

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

Float Therapy

FLOTSTONE

57 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff 60044 847-482-1700 • Flotstone.com

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

Frequency Wave Healing

ENERGY LIGHT CENTER

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

EnergyLightCenter.com

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

ENERGY ZONE VERNON HILLS

224-370-6380

Linda@EnergyZoneVH.com

EnergyZoneVH.com

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

PATH TO WELLNESS CENTER

847-636-0485

PathToWellnessCenter@proton.me

PathToWellnessEnergy.com

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

SOLFLO LIFE

1834 W North Ave, Fl 2, Chicago 60622

Call/Text: 773-383-6237

SolFloLife.com

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

TOTALLY YOU HEALING

333-444-2709

TotallyUHealing@gmail.com

TotallyUHealing.com

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

Functional Medicine

DR. ALLA ARUTCHEVA, MD, PHD, ND Antalee Wellness

1352 Patriot Blvd, Glenview 60026

847-486-1130 • AntaleeHolistic.com

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

HEAL N CURE MEDICAL WELLNESS

Meena Malhotra, MD, ABIM, ABOM

2420 Ravine Way, Ste 400, Glenview 60025

847-686-4444 • HealNCure.com

Specializing in medical wellness, weight loss, hormone balancing, diabetes, fibromyalgia and anti-aging, using integrative and functional medicine. We find and resolve the root cause of medical conditions and achieve outstanding, lasting results for our patients, many of which had almost given up on wellness goals. Free educational seminars. PPO insurance and Medicare accepted for covered services. See ad on page 2.

Holistic & Airway Dentistry

THE CENTER FOR DENTAL HEALING

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

2400 Ravine Way, Ste 400, Glenview 60025

847-998-5100 • GlenviewSmiles.com

Our office uses whole-body, preventive dental care. We utilize non-fluoridated ozonated water, herbal periodontal treatments, and gluten-free herbal paste. We offer: safe amalgam removal; BPA-free fillings and sealants; non-metal crowns; sleep apnea and TMJ appliances; ozone therapy; microscopic plaque analysis; material reactivity testing kits; and non-acrylic night guards, partials.

INTEGRATIVE DENTAL HEALTH

(formerly Bennardo Defining Smiles) 87 S McLean Blvd, South Elgin 60177 847-737-9109

ArtisticSmileDoctor.com

Offering the highest quality holistic dental care possible for total body health. From bio-compatible materials, to eliminating disease in the mouth and improving sleep quality, you can expect more than just a dental office. As Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (S.M.A.R.T.) certified providers, we use the strictest protocols to protect you from the neurotoxic effects of mercury fillings. See ad on page 11.

K. BOEHM, DDS, & ASSOCIATES

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

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

We turn not older with years but newer every day.

—Emily Dickinson

Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.

Stanislaw Jerzy Lec

JOEL SANDERS, DDS & SIMONA BAREKET, DDS

489 Laurel Ave, Highland Park 60035

847-432-6501

JoelSandersDDS.com

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

WRIGLEYVILLE DENTAL

Dr. Bernice Teplitsky, DDS, PC

3256 N Ashland, Chicago 60657

773-975-6666

WrigleyvilleDental.com

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

Holistic Health Practitioner

BIO-ENERGY CENTER

Kankakee Natural Foods BioEnergy Center

815-933-6236

KankakeeNaturalFoods.com

Our BioEnergy Center brings together stateof-the-art machines in one location for an integrative wellness experience. Our approach to healing meets each client’s unique needs through personalized testing and therapies. Come as you are, no appointment needed. Kankakee Natural Foods Wellness under One Roof.

Hypnosis-Hypnotherapy

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

NGH Certified Instructor

Vm/text: 630-778-0899

Hypnocat10@gmail.com

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

Integrative Medicine

BROOKFIELD HEALTH & WELLNESS, LLC

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

BrookfieldHealthAndWellness.com

Our passion is helping patients maximize their health, allowing you to live life to the absolute fullest. We approach each patient as an individual by assessing the body with state-of-the art, bio-energetic technology to identify underlying root cause issues. See ad on page 41.

THE EISENSTEIN CLINIC

Jennifer Eisenstein, APN, DNP

415 W Golf Rd, Ste 2, Arlington Hts, 60005 847-329-2020

EisensteinClinic.com

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

thriveMD – OPTIMAL HEALTH

Dr. Greg Seaman

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

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

Integrative Psychotherapy

ELLEN KATZ, MS, LMFT Clinical Director, Inner Balance

Chicago, Palm Springs

847-224-0244 • EllenKatz.net

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

Lifelong Learning & Personal Growth

THE EDGAR CAYCE HOLISTIC CENTER AND BOOKSTORE

At Unity Northwest Church 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines 60016 847-299-6535

AREChicagoCenter@gmail.com

Full-service bookstore, Cayce remedies, spiritual growth study groups, monthly programs, workshops and holistic fairs, intuitive skills development training, knowledgeable seekers, intuitives, healers and more. Call for hours. See ad on page 27.

INFINITY FOUNDATION

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

Many courses now live in-person, hybrid or on Zoom, some are recorded to watch later. CEUs available. Attracting Joyful Relationships with Lisa McCourt and Robert Mack, Sept 30, on Zoom. Biaural Beats & Consciousness Experiential, Oct 1, 8, 15, on Zoom. Call for free course guide.

Meditation Center

KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTER

CHICAGO

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

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

Nutritional IV Therapy

thriveMD

1355 Remington Rd, Ste I Schaumburg IL 60173 312-600-5070 • thriveMD.com

Thrive MD offers a way to deliver vital fluids, vitamins, electrolytes and nutrients directly into the bloodstream which can restore hydration, support the immune system and aid in faster recovery. Offerings include nutritional immune support, weight loss, vitality and stress relief.

COMING IN OCTOBER Traditional World Medicine

Nutraceutical and Supplements

FUFLUNS’ FOODS

Perry Galanopoulos, Owner

Info@FuFlunsFoods.com | FuFlunsFoods.com

FuFluns’ is a Chicago-based, family-owned, provider of mushroom and botanical supplements. We utilize pre-industrial, astrologically influenced, farming and extraction practices, which are better for both people and planet. Offered online and by discerning healthcare practitioners. See ad on page 31.

Reiki and Energy Medicine

ENERGYGIRL, LLC

708-703-0110

EnergyGirl2020@gmail.com

EnergyGirl2020.com

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

JOANN LYSIAK, ENERGY SPECIALIST

Joann Lysiak Gems

847-596-0274

Joann@JoannLysiakGems.com

JoannLysiakGems.com

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

LEYA (LILIYA) ORIT

Remote Healing Practitioner

314-568-4848 • LeyaOrit@gmail.com

Emotion and Body Code

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

Skeletal Strengthening

OSTEOSTRONG

126 Skokie Rd, Wilmette 60091

224-408-2369

195 W Golf Rd, Schaumburg, 60195

224-487-8881

OsteoStrong.me

OsteoStrong is an Integrative Health and Wellness Center with a focus on musculoskeletal strengthening. The 4-device circuit takes only minutes once per week to complete. Under the direction of a skilled technician, users engage in a safe, controlled, movement that results in a stimulus to the central nervous system triggering osteogenesis or new bone growth. See ad on page 23.

Thermography, Thermometry & Ultrasound

NORTHWEST MEDICAL SCREENING

(formerly known as Northwest Medical Thermography)

Locations across Chicago area

224-600-3216

Facebook: @northwesthealingcenter NWMedicalScreening.com

Erica Cody is a certified thermographer and works with a team of technicians and doctors together focusing on women and men’s health. Our scans help to indicate issues throughout the body, including head, breast, abdominal and pelvis. Women’s Health Check half-body scans can also detect dysfunction and provide indications for further investigation. Multiple locations: see website for schedule and to make an appointment. See ad on page 17.

Priceless lifetime, life-changing whole health bene ts for less than the cost of a smoothie a week!

10-Week Sessions

Sept. 5 - Nov. 7, Tue 10am - 1pm

Sept. 7 - Nov. 9, Thu 7-10pm

1-Week Session

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

Earn your massage license while studying holistic therapy! www.zenshiatsu.edu

2-Weekend Intensive Oct. 13-15 & 20-22, Fri 7-10pm, Sat/Sun 9:30am-4:30pm

zenshiatsu.edu/ce/beginning_zen_shiatsu/

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