Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled and fully recyclable newsprint with black soy ink.
It’s late January as I’m writing this, but my heart is already leaning into February—not the calendar version of the month, but the quiet, watchful one that lives just beneath winter. This is the time when I start scanning the ground for the earliest signs that the earth is getting ready to wake up again. In my yard, that moment usually begins with snowdrops. Tucked into little clumps near the base of trees and along the house, they’re hardy, unassuming and persistent. By the end of February, they often already have buds.
Right outside the back door, there’s a small group of snowdrops that always emerge first. A quiet hello. A hint of spring.
This week, while shoveling snow after one of our many clipper weather systems, I heard a few notes of birdsong: a cardinal calling out his cheery birdie-birdie-birdie from a nearby tree. That tune typically belongs to spring, when male cardinals start establishing their territory, but sometimes can also be heard on a sunny midwinter day. Standing there in the cold, listening to those bright notes wafting through the air, it felt like another gentle reminder that a new season is already stirring, even if winter isn’t quite done with us yet.
Those small moments feel like a perfect path into this month’s theme, Nurture the Heart. February is Heart Health Month, and in this issue, we take a practical, grounded look at caring for our hearts. But heart health is about more than numbers and charts. It’s also found in simple, centering moments.
Our feature story, “A Whole-Hearted Life: The Daily Choices That Help Our Hearts Thrive,” by Hannah Tytus, explores heart health as something shaped quietly over time through how we eat, move, rest, manage stress, stay connected and find meaning. It reminds us that nurturing the heart isn’t about perfection or dramatic change, but about small, consistent choices that support well-being. Also by Tytus, “Nature’s Cardiologist: Herbs and Nutrients That Heal the Heart” examines how food, herbs and targeted supplements can support cardiovascular health as part of an integrative approach to be used thoughtfully alongside practitioner care. And speaking of food, “Garlic Therapy: Eating Our Way to a Healthier Heart,” by Marlaina Donato, celebrates this aromatic bulb’s well-researched cardiovascular benefits, showing how nourishment can support the heart, tummy and spirit.
This season offers its own kind of heart-nurturing magic if we take the time to notice it. In “Winter Finches Brighten Chicagoland’s Coldest Months,” Sheryl DeVore reminds us that this is the one time of the year when visiting birds like pine siskins, redpolls and evening grosbeaks may suddenly appear close to home, offering a brief glimpse of more northerly birds in our yards and nearby natural areas. And when nurturing our hearts means simply soaking in beauty, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy offers a chance to step inside their greenhouses and surround yourself with color, warmth and a hint of spring.
As always, I encourage you to get outside to reconnect with the natural world and reground. Watch the full Snow Moon rise, take a brisk walk in a forest preserve or catch a winter sunset. Check out an indoor winter farmers market. Stop by an area independent greenhouse or garden center to treat yourself to a plant or a joyful bouquet for your kitchen. And find any excuse to embrace the quiet joys of these 28 days of February. May this month help you nurture your heart in ways that feel simple, sustaining and real.
Peggy Malecki
Photo by Peggy Malecki
Ash & Willow Eco Salon Brings Together
Clean Beauty and Wellness Events
Ash & Willow Eco Salon, in Park Ridge, blends beauty, wellness and community in one eco-conscious space. The salon offers hair, nail and skin care treatments, using plant-based products, alongside healing experiences at its sanctuary, The Nest.
The Nest provides a variety of offerings, including reiki, massage, meditation, yoga and more. Weekly programs include Yoga Nidra With Sound Healing at 6 p.m. on Sundays, tarot readings from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Community Yoga at 7 p.m. on Mondays and Reiki Sessions With Rose from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays.
Upcoming special gatherings include Face Yoga and Facial Acupuncture With Maya on February 1 and Twilight Community Reiki With Andrea on February 18.
Ash & Willow aims to create a holistic environment that nurtures the body, mind and spirit, making each visit more than just a beauty appointment.
Location: 610 Devon Ave., Park Ridge. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit AshWillowSalon.com. See ad on page 23 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Chicago’s Shine Bright in Life Hosts Winter Art Show
Shine Bright in Life, a community arts and healing center located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, will showcase artwork from community members in the Shine Bright Winter Art Show from February 15 through March 15.
A special exhibition opening will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on February 22. Several participating artists will be present and select artworks will be available for purchase throughout the exhibition period.
Founded by art therapist Jeanna “Gigi” Fearon, Shine Bright in Life operates in Chicago with a satellite office in Peoria. The center’s mission is to encourage personal growth and development by offering creative, soulful experiences that use the arts to nurture intuition, support wellness and help individuals shine from within.
In addition to seasonal exhibitions, a variety of arts-based and metaphysical programs, including full- and new-moon creative circles, painting classes, NeuroGraphica sessions, tarot training, intuition-building practices, astrology classes and various arts and crafts activities are provided. Many offerings are available in person and via Zoom. Group and individual sessions are offered by appointment.
Location: 841 W. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (the center is open during classes and by appointment). For more information, call 773-537-5317, email ShineBrightInLife.Chicago@gmail.com or visit ShineBrightInLife.com
—Robert A. Heinlein
Photo courtesy Shine Bright in Life
Grow Bold, Garden Wild
This Spring
The Darien Garden Club will present Spring Gardening Inspiration – Wild and Wonderful Gardening from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 7 at Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café & Chateau Orleans Banquets, in Darien. The event will include gardening tips and techniques for creating enchanting outdoor sanctuaries, a provided lunch and a raffle featuring creative gift baskets.
The event will offer a strong lineup of speakers and is open to gardeners of all experience levels. Author Teresa Woodard will share ideas from her newest book, Garden to the Max, which explores the maximalist gardening style. Her presentation showcases 20 maximalist gardens photographed by Bob Stefko. Will County Naturalist Suzy Lyttle will present on welcoming wildlife, discussing how gardens can provide habitat for pollinators, birds and other species. Professional Landscape Architect Amanda Arnold of Planit Landscape Perspectives will focus on finding balance in designed native gardens, whether beginning a new project or enhancing an existing landscape.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet local nonprofit organizations working on environmental initiatives in the greater community.
Location: 8025 S. Cass Ave., Darien. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite. com/e/1755193584259?aff=oddtdtcreator
Healthy Living and Sustainability Take Center Stage at Wellness Trends Expo
Chicago-area residents can explore healthy living and sustainable choices at the Wellness Trends Healthy Living Expo Targi Zdrowego Stylu Życia, taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 14 and 15 at its new location, the Imli Conference Center at Wyndham Garden Schaumburg. This inspiring, immersive, twoday event returns for its fifth edition to showcase eco-friendly health innovations and offer valuable wellness insights through expert-led seminars and vendor booths.
The expo features lectures; hands-on workshops; and the latest trends in natural health, holistic therapies and sustainable living. It’s also a great networking opportunity for entrepreneurs and wellness professionals to connect, collaborate and discover new wellness products.
Attendees can look forward to informative talks from health specialists, along with exhibits from companies specializing in eco-friendly, chemical-free offerings, healthy foods and wellness services. The event emphasizes the importance of prevention and maintaining a balanced lifestyle as keys to long-term well-being. Vendor applications are still being accepted.
Location: 1725 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg. For more information, call 773-339-2928, email WellnessTrendsChicago@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/TargiZdrowia2022 See ad on page 41.
Explore the Science Behind Consciousness and
Psi Phenomena
The Theosophical Society in America will present a daylong conference examining consciousness, mystical experiences and psi phenomena from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 18 in Wheaton and online. The program will feature leading researchers from the University of Virginia’s Division of Perceptual Studies that will explore these topics through scientific and interdisciplinary lenses.
Presentations will focus on research into psilocybin-facilitated states, near-death and outof-body experiences, and children’s past-life memories. Speakers will examine the nature and implications of these phenomena, drawing connections among scientific investigation, psychological perspectives and spiritual inquiry.
Throughout the day, presenters will highlight current research and its relevance to understanding transformative human experiences. The program will conclude with a panel discussion that brings together scientific and spiritual perspectives, encouraging dialogue and identifying opportunities for future research into consciousness and related phenomena.
Cost: $110 in person; $80 online. Location: 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton, or online via a private YouTube link. For more information or to register, visit Theosophical. org/psi. See ad on page 25.
New discovery that I’m excited about for myself and my patients…
While attending the latest global expo on everything new in the alternative medicine world, I learned about a class II medical-grade diagnostic and biofeedback treatment device NEW to the United States with a stunning track record in Europe.
BioTekna is a non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic device for health, performance, and wellness, using innovative technology to analyze body composition, stress (ANS), inflammation, and psychophysical states for both clinical and athletic applications. The BIA-ACC is for body composition, TomEEX is for identifying chronic inflammatory conditions and the RegMatEx is for inflammation/pain. These devices help patients manage stress, improve performance, and understand chronic conditions.
The origin of this device goes back almost 30 years. But with recent technological developments and the advent of AI, the device has advanced, being able to do much more and do it more rapidly. Since 2004, BioTekna has performed approximately 11 million tests in 14 years.
Currently, the system collects and analyzes over 2 million tests each year, with an average annual growth rate in adoption and usage of 20%.
The term medical grade is important because so many devices are being sold on the market that do not meet this threshold.
There are only 10 of these devices in the United States. Currently, I hold a license and certification for this device.
Doctors and practitioners in Europe are using this device to treat chronic inflammation, fatigue & more, as well as identifying markers contributing to underlying health conditions.
BioTekna Functional Longevity Clinical System allows practitioners to move beyond single metrics and toward integrated risk assessment & intervention planning.
Biofeedback is:
• Non-invasive
• Repeatable
• Interpretable
• Clinically Actionable
Biofeedback can:
• Identify meaningful physiological patterns
• Estimate future risk trajectories
• Support prevention-focused & longevity-oriented care
Dr. Kim Henderson Licensed & Certified provider
Journey to the Divine Mother at India’s Vaishno Devi Temple
This October, seekers are invited to embark on a deeply meaningful spiritual journey to India through the Vaishno Devi/Shakti Peetham Pilgrimage, a 10-day, small-group experience held from October 11 to 20 for those drawn to sacred travel, devotion and inner transformation. Traveling from Delhi to Katra, participants will visit several revered temples along the route and receive darshan, culminating in the powerful pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi Temple, one of India’s most significant Shakti Peethams.
Vaishno Devi is a site of profound feminine spiritual energy, honoring the Divine Mother in her many forms. Pilgrims from around the world travel here seeking blessings, clarity and renewal. This thoughtfully curated journey offers not only access to sacred sites, but also the support and intention of traveling with a small, like-minded group, creating space for reflection, connection and reverence throughout the experience.
Cost: $3,900. For more information or to make a reservation, call Casey at 484-509-5073, ext. 1, or visit KulaKamalaFoundation.org. See ad on page 39 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Copper Wellness Offers Integrative Care for Individuals and Growing Families
Copper Wellness, a Chicago-based integrative clinic, provides comprehensive care for people of all ages and life stages, including individuals, teens, older adults and families that are planning to grow. Founded by Stephanie Madden, LAc, DAOM, the center combines acupuncture with complementary holistic treatments to help patients restore balance, relieve pain and achieve lasting wellness.
Services at the clinic include massage therapy, which can increase circulation and decrease swelling; chiropractic care, including the Webster Technique, focused on gentle stretching and light adjustments to help relieve physical discomfort for those that are pregnant; acupuncture, which supports fertility and provides mind, body and spirit care across every stage of life; and pelvic floor therapy, helpful for strengthening and activating pelvic muscles to support recovery and prevent injuries related to pregnancy and beyond.
Copper Wellness treats a range of conditions, including stress, anxiety, chronic pain, hormonal imbalance and digestive issues, through personalized acupuncture treatment plans that address the root cause of illness.
Location: 1654 W. North Ave., Chicago. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 872-267-1717 or visit Copper-Wellness.com See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Organic Roots Introduces RE_COLOR Nontoxic Hair System
Organic Roots Eco Salon, in Skokie, is proud to feature RE_COLOR, a permanent hair color system by Artègo Laboratories that offers vibrant results without toxic chemicals. The ammonia-free formula is vegan and gluten-free certified and is designed to color, lighten and regenerate hair while supporting scalp and hair health.
RE_COLOR uses plant-derived surfactants to promote softness and comfort during application, along with specialized dye molecules to enhance color vibrancy. The formula is made without ammonia, para-phenylenediamine or resorcinol. It also includes a red algae cellular water complex to nourish and protect the scalp and hair; hydrolipids from wild olive stem cell plants; and patented Fiberhance, which helps fortify and thicken colored hair.
The system provides 100 percent gray hair coverage and can lighten hair more than four blonde levels while maintaining structural integrity and long-lasting results.
Owner Lori Goldstein says the salon prioritizes certified organic products that deliver professional-quality outcomes without the toxic chemicals commonly found in traditional hair salons.
Location: 3417 Dempster St., Skokie. For more information or to make an appointment, call 847-423-2653 or visit OrganicRootsEcoSalon.com See ad on page 15 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Photo courtesy Peppygraphics/Adobe Stock
Photo courtesy Cooper Wellness
Stephanie Madden, LAc, DAOM
Vaishno Devi Temple
Building Community Connections for New Homeowners
Since its launch in January 2024, HomeTown Hug, led by co-founder Alexandria “Alex” Gavas, has steadily grown its impact across McHenry County by welcoming new residents with curated baskets filled with information and gifts from local businesses, nonprofits and organizations. To date, more than 1,100 baskets have been delivered to new homeowners, reflecting the program’s growing reach and commitment to community connection.
Drawing on her extensive corporate background and passion for bringing people together, Gavas began personally delivering the baskets in June 2024 to help newcomers feel at home and better navigate the area. Each month, new homeowners receive welcome gifts from HomeTown Hug’s partners, strengthening ties between residents and the local community.
Local businesses, real estate agents and organizations are encouraged to contact Gavas to explore promotional and networking opportunities.
For more information, call Alex Gavas at 847-508-1181, email HomeTownHug@ gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/hometownhug See ad on page 55 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Photo credit Snow White Photography Alexandria Gavas
Nourishing the Heart Through Strength
Why Building Muscle Is Now Considered Cardiac Therapy
by Jerry Garcia PA-C; Raymond Wohl, BA, MA; and Pedro Azcona, M.D.
For decades, heart health messaging focused almost exclusively on aerobic exercise. Walking, cycling and jogging were promoted as the primary ways to protect the heart. Today, cardiology and longevity research tells a more complete story: strength training is now recognized as a powerful form of cardiovascular medicine.
Skeletal muscle is not just for movement— it is a metabolic and cardiovascular ally. Research shows that maintaining healthy muscle mass improves insulin sensitivity, supports blood sugar control, lowers resting blood pressure and improves cholesterol profiles. These factors work together to reduce strain on the heart and blood vessels.
Strength training also benefits the heart in more direct ways. Studies demonstrate that regular resistance exercise can reduce arterial stiffness, a key marker of vascular aging, and improve heart rate variability, an indicator of healthy autonomic nervous system balance. These changes reflect a heart that is
better able to adapt to physical and emotional stress.
The opposite is what happens when muscle is lost. Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, has been independently associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Low muscle mass often coexists with increased inflammation, insulin resistance and reduced physical resilience—conditions that
quietly undermine heart health long before symptoms appear.
The encouraging news is that it is never too late to benefit. Adults in midlife and beyond experience meaningful cardiovascular improvements from strength programs. Training two to three times per week—using body weight, resistance bands or weights—can help preserve muscle, stabilize metabolism and nourish the heart from the inside out.
True heart care is no longer just about endurance. By nourishing muscle, we nourish the heart—supporting strength, circulation and longevity for years to come. At Chicago Male Clinic, we are dedicated to influencing performance, recovery and longevity through evidence-based, integrated care.
Jerry Garcia is the medical director, Dr. Pedro Azcona is a medical provider and Raymond Wohl is the patient care coordinator at Chicago Male Clinic, located at 4801 W. Peterson Ave., Ste. 506, in Chicago. For more information or to make an appointment, call 773-414-9900 or visit ChicagoMaleClinic.com. See ad on page 27, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
JoinUs!
HolisticCenter
Thursday, February 5, 7:00-8:00 pm
Sound Bath
Fridays, February 6-27, 7:oo-8:00 pm
Egyptian Energy Forms: A Qi Gong Practice
Saturday, February 7, 2:00-3:30 pm
Crystal Talk: Month of Love
Friday, February 20, 6:00-9:00 pm
Reflexology for Feet, Hands, Face
Saturday, February 28, 2:00-5:00 pm
Hawaiian Elemental Healings
The Angels Are Ready. Are You?
Photo courtesy of Chicago Male Clinic
Jerry Garcia, Raymond Wohl and Pedro Azcona
Feel Groovy at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Orchid Show
The Chicago Botanic Garden, in Glencoe, rewinds to the ‘60s and ‘70s from February 7 through March 22 during The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy. Indoor galleries will be filled with more than 10,000 fresh, colorful blooms arranged in displays that echo the era’s bright colors, funky patterns and love for Mother Nature.
floor-to-ceiling sunbeams of cascading orchids, a 10-foot lava lamp glowing with colorful blooms and a flower-filled Volkswagen Beetle cruising through a Route 66 daydream.
On Valentine’s Day and select Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Orchids After Hours offers a nighttime experience of the show, with cocktails and light bites available for purchase. February 21 and March 21 feature special 21-plus nights with a silent disco, set to hits from the era.
Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. During Orchids After Hours, the show is
Oak Woodland Preserved in McHenry County
A 55-acre oak woodland in Chemung Township has been permanently protected through a collaborative effort between the McHenry County Conservation Foundation (MCCF) and the McHenry County Conservation District (MCCD), supported by a major state conservation grant.
The MCCF secured a $369,900 grant from the Prairie State Conservation Coalition’s natural areas grant program and provided the required 20 percent match using unrestricted donor support.
The MCCD purchased the land for $484,000. The site is ecologically significant and includes some of the largest remaining mature oak trees documented in McHenry County, estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old.
The woodland also holds deep cultural and historical importance. “These oaks provided nourishment for game pursued by Indigenous hunters and gatherers and supported those communities,” says Lloyd Everard, president of the Board of Trustees of the MCCD. “They provided shade during the time of French exploration of the region, were present during the founding of the United States, and they bear the marks of land surveyors during the westward expansion of the nation.”
Protecting the property is especially critical given the dramatic loss of oak ecosystems in the region. McHenry County has lost an estimated 87 percent of its original oak communities, leaving few undeveloped natural areas of this scale. The MCCF and MCCD aim to safeguard the land and its diverse plant and animal species in perpetuity for county residents.
Also in 2025, the MCCF transferred 15 acres of mature woodland to the MCCD, expanding the Marengo Ridge Conservation Area. That parcel was originally purchased in 2020 with support from an anonymous donor.
“The Foundation’s mission is to support the Conservation District’s efforts to protect and preserve land in perpetuity for current and future generations,” says Kevin Ivers, president of the Board of Directors of the MCCF. “For our organization, saving some of the county’s last old-growth oaks from development was a top priority.”
The MCCD and MCCF are currently developing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan—Forward to 2040 With a Vision to 2071—and encourage public participation as the planning process moves forward.
For more information, visit mccd.me/forward2040
Discover Birds of the Great Lakes With Dexter Patterson
Bird enthusiasts can meet author Dexter Patterson on February 18 for a meet-and-greet, book signing and program at the RPL Nordlof Center, in Rockford. Hosted by the Natural Land Institute, the community event runs from 3 to 7 p.m., with free general admission and a VIP reception available for $50. Preregistration is requested by February 17.
Patterson, co-founder of Wisconsin’s BIPOC Birding Club and recently named director of Sciences and Climate for the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, will share insights from his new book, Birds of the Great Lakes. Known as a passionate “bird nerd", he inspires audiences to connect with nature through birding and conservation.
The VIP reception at 3 p.m. offers early access to Patterson, a signed copy of his book and
priority seating for the program. Limited tickets for this are available. The lobby opens at 4 p.m. for information tables, refreshments and book sales. Patterson’s main program begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a book signing in the lobby at 6:30 p.m.
Birds of the Great Lakes is a fun, easy-to-use guide to more than 100 commonly seen birds in the region. It highlights the Great Lakes’ natural beauty and emphasizes best practices and habitat sustainability to support conservation. Perfect for both novice and experienced birders, the compact guide is ideal for traveling throughout the region.
Location: 118 N. Main St., Rockford. For more information or to register (required), call 815-964-6666 or visit NaturalLand.org/ event/dexter-patterson-meet-greet-book-signing-and-program.
Dexter Patterson
Photo by Madison Public Library
Photo courtesy McHenhy County Conservation District
understand how frustrating chronic pain can be. Many of our patients have tried everything before finding us. That’s why our approach is different. With over 30 years of experience, we take the time to listen, assess, and get to the root of what’s really going on. Dr. Kim has overcome chronic pain herself, so she truly understands what our patients are facing. Each visit is personalized, often incorporating a combination of hands-on Chiropractic care, targeted bodywork, and holistic tools to support long-term healing—not just temporary relief.
From Idea to Impact:
The
Strategy Behind a Successful Book
by Gail Torr
For practitioners involved in health, wellness or consciousness, publishing a book can significantly enhance visibility. It serves as both a credential and a platform to share knowledge accumulated throughout a career, extending a brand beyond daily work. A book enables practitioners to connect with a broader audience and opens doors to speaking engagements, workshop invitations and media interviews. It remains one of the most effective ways to establish a presence and elevate a business.
Many practitioners, entrepreneurs and doctors feel the urge to write a book, but self-doubt often arises: Is the subject matter truly interesting? What about qualifications? Where to begin? These are all great questions. Yet for aspiring authors, the most important consideration is how the book enters the world—not just the message it carries.
In the mind, body and spirit fields, readers are seeking more than information. They want guidance they can trust, and a well-positioned book signals that the content has been carefully shaped, refined and purposefully presented. This makes publishing strategy essential, guiding every decision from manuscript to market.
Anyone can publish a book today, but accessibility brings challenges. Professional self-publishing packages typically range from $6,000 to $15,000, while a bare-bones DIY approach may cost around $1,000—although quality may suffer. Authors will need to sell many copies to recoup those costs, making planning and strategy key.
Traditional publishing remains the strongest path for authors seeking mainstream credibility, widespread book distribution, validation, foreign rights sales, and visibility in film and
television. The good news: it typically requires no upfront costs. Traditional publishers often offer an advance against sales, and first-time authors usually receive between $1,000 and $15,000.
For authors in health and wellness, spirituality and consciousness, distinction matters even more. A book in these fields is not just a product; it serves as a vessel for ideas meant to inform, heal and inspire. The author is the authority on the subject, so how the book enters the world affects its credibility, the book’s sales potential and lasting impact.
Authors can submit manuscripts through a publisher’s portal, but the options are limited. This is why serious authors work with a literary agent. A skilled literary agent does more than sell a book; they open doors that are usually inaccessible without professional representation. In the consciousness, health and wellness, and spirituality fields, having an agent working with them that understands the market and has established publisher contacts is especially valuable. Once a manuscript is sold, the agent’s role shifts to protecting the author—negotiating advances, improving royalty rates, limiting claims on rights, and challenging vague or predatory clauses. Beyond individual manuscripts, literary agents help shape long-term publishing strategy and act as a buffer between the author and the publisher, a support system that often proves more important than authors may realize.
Self-publishing has created the illusion that bypassing traditional publishing methods is faster and more empowering. While that may be true in certain circumstances, it is often not a shortcut to success. Authors may find themselves taking on editing, design,
distribution, marketing, publicity and legal tasks without prior experience. Outsourcing help is possible, but costs can rise and quickly exceed the expected budget. The key is to approach publishing strategically rather than as a quick fix.
Traditional publishers bring professional discernment, usually honed over years, along with accountability, reach and resources that help find the right audience. Publishers understand their catalogs; how to position books, navigate knowledge of major distributors’ specific requirements and how to use them to increase sales; and have access to libraries and bookstores, as well as connections with reviewers. They also manage publicity and ensure high-quality production. A thoughtfully published book communicates to readers that the content has been vetted, refined and curated with care.
Success as an author and influencer in a broader cultural conversation in any field depends on taking the long view: don’t rush the process and don’t assume that passion alone is enough; patience, preparation and strategic guidance are essential. Working with a literary agent willing to advocate for the manuscript can make the difference in a successful book campaign. Together, authors and agents ensure the message, identify the audience and determine where the book fits within the broader conversation.
When approached thoughtfully, publishing becomes more than a professional milestone—it is a way to share expertise, inspire readers and make a lasting impact. Authors that embrace this process often find that careful planning and deliberate strategy lead to both credibility and meaningful influence in their field.
Gail Torr is a literary agent, book publicist and communications specialist with a background in award-winning publishing and television. For a complimentary consult, email GalaxyMediaGirl@gmail.com. For more information, visit GalaxyMediaManagement.com. See ad on page 11.
Alucky backyard bird feeder watcher might see what looks like a giant goldfinch at their sunflower seeds in the Chicago region this winter. It’s the evening grosbeak, and some of them have been spotted in the area this season to the delight of birders.
“People are often familiar with the dark-eyed juncos and American tree sparrows that are regular visitors to the Chicago region in winter,” says Chris Holden, field trip chairman for the Chicago Ornithological Society. “But in winter, we often get treated to what are called irruptions of finches.”
“Birds like evening grosbeaks, pine siskins, redpolls and crossbills typically spend their time north of us, even in winter,” Holden says. “But under certain conditions, for example when there is not enough food to sustain the population of these birds in their typical ranges, some of them head south in search of sustenance,” he explains.
“The numbers of birds you see can vary enormously depending on the year, from none at all to many in ridiculously high amounts,” he adds.
Finches are small songbirds with short, conical bills enabling them to crack open seeds. They also eat tree buds in winter.
Pine Siskins Join Goldfinches at Thistle Feeders
American goldfinches are finches that live in the Chicago region year-round, often visiting thistle feeders. A much less common finch, the pine siskin, appears at the same feeders some winters. Goldfinches lose their bright colors in winter and can resemble siskins.
To tell them apart, look at their bills. “The pine siskin has a very thin bill; goldfinches have thicker bills,” Holden explains. “Pine siskins have thin streaking on the body; the goldfinch does not. Pine siskins also make interesting, distinctive buzzy sounds.”
A pine siskin drinking from melting snow.
Pine siskins live across southern Canada year-round, feeding on seeds from conifers such as pines, spruce, fir and hemlock, as well as alder and birch in winter. During summer, they eat insects, which they also feed to their young.
In the 2025 breeding season, a large spruce budworm population offered plentiful food in northern regions. However, the winter cone crop was less abundant, prompting siskins to move south in search of food, according to Tyler Hoar, author of the annual winter finch forecast (FinchNetwork.org/winter-finch-forecast-2025-2026) as well as many books on birds including Birds of Canada, with co-authors Wayne Campbell and Ken De Smet.
Hoar predicted a moderate to strong flight of siskins this winter, reaching as far south as the mid-Atlantic states. “In addition, eastern white cedars around the Lake Michigan region have a good
Photo by Steven D. Bailey
cone crop this season, so pine siskins are finding food there as well,” he writes.
Places to look for pine siskins include the Enabling Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden, which has thistle feeders, and Lyons Woods, in Lake County, which contains many conifers.
Holden also suggests wooded areas at forest preserves and municipal parks, including Chicago’s LaBagh Woods, Lincoln Park, Washington Park and Douglass Park. “Pine siskins are bird feeder visitors, so it’s a great idea to keep your feeders stocked and keep an eye out for these birds,” he adds.
Redpolls Make Occasional Winter Iruptions
A less reliable northern winter visitor to the Chicago region is the redpoll. “It can usually be found somewhere each year, though often in singles or very small numbers,” Holden says.
About the size of a goldfinch, redpolls have a magenta cap, yellow bill and black chin. Males often have a rosy wash on the breast. They breed in northern tundra and pine woodlands, nesting as close to Chicago as Ontario.
“Redpolls are maybe the hardiest birds on Earth,” writes Bob Dolgan, editor of Meadowlark: A Journal of Illinois Birds, in his online blog. “They’ve been observed in temperatures as low as minus 65 degrees Fahrenheit,” he continues. “They possess adaptations such as a throat pouch for storing seeds and an ability to burrow under the snow at night to stay warm.”
Redpolls prefer seeds from alder, birch, spruce and pine trees. When seed crops are poor and snow covers weedy fields, they move south. In the Chicago region, they also visit backyard feeders stocked with thistle seed.
Holden experienced an irruption of redpolls during the winter of 2021 to 22. “They showed up in amazing numbers,” he says. “I was
walking in the woods at Skokie Lagoons and found a tree that they had taken over. There were literally hundreds of them. I saw more redpolls in that tree at that moment than I had seen in my entire lifetime up until that point.”
Places to search for redpolls include Lakewood Forest Preserve near Wauconda, where they feast among alder trees. They also have been seen at the Whitetail Prairie picnic area at Moraine Hills State Park; at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary along the restored prairie; in the large pine trees around the parking lot at Swallow Cliff Woods, in Palos Park; and also along the Northwestern University lakefront, in Evanston.
Evening Grosbeaks Remain a Rare Treat
Though declining overall, evening grosbeaks, which resemble huge goldfinches, also may be found in northern Illinois in winter, although not as often as in the past.
This species visits feeders offering sunflower seeds and peanut pieces, so birdwatchers should keep an eye out for a bird twice as large as a goldfinch with bright yellow underparts, black wings and white wing bars. That’s the male. The female is less colorful.
Photo by Steven D. Bailey
“In the Chicago area, we almost never get evening grosbeaks,” says Josh Engel, founder of bird tour company Red Hill Birding. “Any number greater than zero in a year is good.” He recalls in 2020, the Chicago region had “dozens of sightings.”
Hoar predicted some sightings farther south than usual this winter. He explains that evening grosbeaks love budworms and will rear large families up north when they’re abundant. Last summer’s
A redpoll.
A white-winged crossbill at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, in Lake County.
Photo by Steven D. Bailey
budworm population was plentiful, but in the fall, the birds rely on seeds from various trees to sustain them through winter.
Some of these, including mountain ash, had poor seed crops in widespread areas last fall, Hoar says, so he predicted a moderate flight of evening grosbeaks this season, with some visiting feeders in Canadian and northern U.S. towns, and some even farther south than those regions.
“At platform feeders, evening grosbeaks prefer black oil sunflower seeds. Evening grosbeaks will look away from feeders for maple and ash trees still holding seeds,” he writes.
Jean Tookey of Des Plaines reports she saw an evening grosbeak at a forest preserve in Lake County in late fall. Thatcher Woods, in Chicago, also has hosted several of these unusual winter visitors.
Crossbills Follow the Evergreen Cones
Birders searching for evening grosbeaks often keep an eye out for crossbills, which sporadically visit the Chicago region in winter. The more common red crossbill is a nomadic species seen occasionally
even in the summer, including at the McHenry Dam portion of Moraine Hills State Park.
Red crossbills are often found in pine tree areas, where their telltale calls sound like “kip, kip.” Their crossed bills enable them to extract seeds from cones of mostly pine and sometimes spruce trees. Males are brick red with dark wings; females are yellow-bodied.
The rarer white-winged crossbill also has a crossed bill and red body, but features black wings with white wing bars and a black tail. Females are yellow. This species prefers large spruce stands for foraging in winter.
An irruption of white-winged crossbills occurred in the Chicago region in 2020, along with pine siskins and redpolls. The Morton Arboretum, in Lisle, is one location where they appear in some years. Annette McClellan of Waukegan reported seeing up to 35 of these unique birds near her home from January 31 through March 2022.
“February can be cold and snowy, but if you keep your bird feeders full, you have a chance of seeing a rare winter finch,” says Holden.
Whether at backyard feeders or forest preserves filled with conifers, winter offers birding delights not available any other time of year.
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 courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public domain)
A male evening grosbeak.
Photo by Steven D. Bailey
A pine siskin at a feeder with American goldfinches.
North America’s Largest Wildlife Overpass Opens
Colorado’s new wildlife overpass crossing I-25 is among the world’s largest animal-crossing structures over a major roadway. Spanning six lanes of interstate traffic, it seamlessly connects 39,000 acres of habitat on either side. This gradually sloped, 200-by-209-foot bridge is expertly designed to encourage the larger wildlife to use it.
Unlike tunnels, which big game animals avoid due to restricted mobility and antler clearance, this open structure offers clear sight lines. The project aims to link wildlife corridors and to preserve open spaces near water in an area known for high movement of large game such as elk, mule deer and pronghorn antelope. Studies predict a 90 percent reduction in wildlife-vehicle crashes, where there was once an average of one collision per day. The $15 million multi-agency project marks a bold step in wildlife conservation, balancing transportation needs with ecosystem health and ensuring the safety of both motorists and wildlife.
Bacteria Engineered To Tackle Microplastics
Researchers at Duke University are investigating whether certain bacteria can degrade microplastics, the tiny plastic particles polluting oceans, soil and the food chain. The team is assessing the ability of Pseudomonas stutzeri to digest polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a strong, transparent and lightweight plastic used in beverage containers and food packaging. Thermus thermophilus is being evaluated for its potential to degrade plastic more efficiently in warm environments.
A component of their research involves bioengineering techniques designed to help the bacteria work faster. Additionally, the group is developing a solar-powered device to house the bacteria as they process plastic in polluted areas. The long-term goal is to transform degraded plastic into new, reusable materials, thus promoting recycling over accumulation in nature.
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammea
When the seed crops decrease in its boreal breeding grounds, the common redpoll moves south, venturing into the northern U.S., sometimes even into the central or southern part of the country. Birds like the redpoll and pine siskin, that make these winter movements, are called irruptive species. Typically, redpolls move south every other year, although that’s not always the case. When they come, they visit backyard feeders with thistle, giving observers close looks at their bright red caps and black throats contrasting with yellow bills. Look for them in birch and alder trees in winter: Redpolls love the seeds, which have lots of calories.
Distribution:
It breeds worldwide in boreal forests and at the edge of tundra (when food sources are low) and moves south to the northern and sometimes central U.S. regions.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Fringillidae
Facts:
• Redpolls have special storage pouches in the esophagus that enable them to digest food overnight.
• Redpolls sometimes roost in tunnels beneath snow that serves as insulation.
• DNA evidence shows that the rare hoary redpoll, which is much paler and doesn’t venture as far south, could be the same species as the common redpoll.
Chiropractic physician Dr. Kim Henderson has dedicated the past 30 years to providing patients with not only highly individualized care, but also unearthing the root causes of distress and dis-ease. Ever curious, she is a determined sleuth who delights in the process of finding answers to sometimes cryptic conditions at Health Clarified, her Northbrook wellness clinic. Her professional toolbox includes both traditional and cutting-edge approaches to structural imbalances, nervous system support, stress management, pain reduction and systemic metabolic harmony. From athletes and busy moms to newborns and centenarians, people of all ages have found ongoing health improvements and solutions.
Henderson says she is inspired most by unlocking her patients’ full potential and seeing them systematically achieve health goals beyond their original expectations. From functional medicine to blood analysis, bodywork modalities to rehabilitation, solutions for healthy weight management to Softwave acoustic technology that activates stem cells, “Doctor Kim” and her patient-centered team at Health Clarified go beyond where others might leave off. This tailored fusion of methodologies, combined with a welcoming, nonjudgmental atmosphere, is Henderson’s hallmark.
“The whole-person approach—addressing mental and emotional aspects of health conditions as well as physical—is imperative to achieving health restoration,” she explains. “Whether someone is already receiving medical care or just beginning their health journey, we collaborate with their overall care plan by understanding their full health story, identifying root causes and supporting healing from a whole-body perspective.”
For example, when a patient presents with chronic conditions and medically unexplained symptoms, Henderson might choose a
combination of approaches to identify root causes and restore balance. Modalities may include neurotransmitter and hormone testing, analysis and application of biofeedback for circadian rhythms, heart rate variability, body composition and beyond, plus assessments to detect abnormalities in vagal tone—an often overlooked, but vital factor in health restoration.
Her multipronged perspective can help boost athletic performance or recovery from injury; for the latter, she might opt for a blend of exercises and bodywork including cupping to restore tissue elasticity. For a busy mom that feels burnt out, a bodywork approach might focus on supporting the nervous system with at-home recommendations such as gentle, soft-foam rolling to melt away muscle tension. Individualized care awaits whether someone comes in for post-surgery support or to regain energy after having a stubborn flu.
An approach that makes Health Clarified distinctive is their focus on energetic conduction between cells which, when working optimally, helps a person’s entire body system function better. Her expertise in nutrition and deep dives into a patient’s potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies also connect the dots for a more complete patient assessment that includes at the cellular level.
“We are looking as deep as we possibly can to find out what’s happening with cellular energy,” Henderson says. “By using a variety of modalities, including biological terrain analysis and BioTekna technology, we can determine whether dis-ease is caused by the ‘germ’ or the ‘terrain’ and develop the proper course of action for each individual. This could be a singular or multipronged approach.”
The healing experience starts the moment a patient enters the office. Health Clarified’s waiting room is designed to be a grounding
Photo courtesy of Health Clarified
Kim Henderson, DC
and peaceful place, offering comfortable seating; a hot tea and water station; and the uplifting presence of lush, living greenery. Every patient is allotted an hour of appointment time for a complete visit, and treatment rooms are closed to ensure a feeling of safety and privacy.
Beyond the office experience, Henderson says she and her Health Clarified staff keep the lines of communication open and build a strong working relationship with patients to make sure that each person is experiencing the outcomes they expect, adding that “we’re in constant communication to follow up with a patient through the healing process.”
Henderson encourages her patients to remember that lasting results do not happen overnight and a willingness to work together goes a long way. “The benefit becomes immeasurable,” she attests. “The dividend can be a full, robust, energetic life.”
Health Clarified is located at 2165A Shermer Rd., in Northbrook For more information or to make an appointment, call 224-344-8668 or visit HealthClarifiedNow.com See ads on pages 9, 15, 23 and 37, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com
Marlaina Donato is a multi-genre author, visionary painter and musician. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodsmoke.com
A Whole-Hearted Life
The Daily Choices That Help Our Hearts Thrive
by Hannah Tytus
Ahealthy heart is built from the inside out. Each day presents opportunities to nurture vitality through dietary choices, physical activity, restful periods, social connections and personal fulfillment. These ordinary decisions profoundly impact the long-term trajectory of cardiovascular well-being.
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 32 percent of global fatalities and affecting families across diverse communities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in three deaths in the United States can be attributed to this devastating disease. Behind these sobering statistics lies the
reassuring fact that small, daily choices can help protect the heart.
Heart-Healthy Foods
Among the most studied heart-supportive eating strategies are the Mediterranean Diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet, which help regulate cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. Both emphasize the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and nuts, while limiting saturated fat and processed meats. Additionally, eating fatty fish provides whole-food omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be more effective than comparable supplements in supporting heart health, according to a 2018 study published in JAMA Cardiology.
Dr. Regina Druz, based on Long Island, New York, is the founder of Holistic Heart Centers of America and a board-certified specialist in cardiology and functional medicine. Her expertise lies in heart disease prevention through holistic, lifestyle-driven care. She is the author of a forthcoming book, Longevity Code: How to Age-Proof Yourself for Optimal Health
A proponent of the Mediterranean Diet, Druz encourages patients to build a way of eating that feels natural, flavorful and balanced. She emphasizes the significance of meal timing and its alignment with a person’s circadian rhythm. She also often recommends moderate intermittent fasting, as long as it is done safely, sustainably and personalized to the individual.
According to Druz, dietary changes are most powerful when they are part of a larger, three-pillared foundation that includes exercise, nutrition and sleep. She discourages people from searching for a single magic bullet and instead invites them to build a way of eating that feels natural, flavorful and balanced.
Mindfulness and Mood
The intricate connection between the mind and heart is often underestimated. Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure and induce inflammation, placing a burden on the cardiovascular system. Stress reduction does not have to be complicated. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing or meditation can shift the body into a more relaxed state, offering the heart a small but meaningful reprieve.
Mindful awareness practices appear to have favorable effects on blood pressure, cortisol levels and inflammatory markers, suggesting
Photo by juannovakoskyfor
that everyday mind-body tools can provide meaningful support. A 2007 report published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that Transcendental Meditation (TM), qigong and Zen Buddhist meditation yielded modest reductions in high blood pressure. A 2019 meta-analysis of TM for heart disease demonstrated improvements in blood pressure levels.
Biofeedback involves measuring bodily functions, particularly heart rate variability, to enable individuals to consciously alter these functions. It can track how slow breathing techniques help the heart
relax. Notably, biofeedback has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure levels, according to a 2024 meta-analysis study published in Nature
Healing Power of Slumber
Sleep is integral to heart health. A 2017 study published in Chest reports an association between insomnia and cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and heart failure. Furthermore, a 2011 study in Circulation demonstrates a link between insomnia and a moderately increased risk for a heart attack.
Druz collaborates with sleep specialists that use wearable technology, such as the SleepImage device, to assess sleep quality in real time. She has observed that even modest adjustments to sleep habits can yield significant improvements—from changing sleep positions and recalibrating room humidity to optimizing sleep times and reorienting bed pillows. By tracking sleep patterns over time, individuals can identify subtle shifts that contribute to a quantifiably better night’s rest.
Benefits of Consistent Exercise
Regular physical activity remains a cornerstone in reducing cardiovascular risk. The 2004 INTERHEART study, involving nearly 30,000 participants from 52 countries, revealed that moderately intense exercise for four or more hours per week reduced the risk of a heart attack by 12.2 percent.
A 2011 cohort study published in Lancet involving more than 400,000 participants showed that engaging in as little as 15 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the risk of mortality by 14 percent and extend life expectancy by an average of three years. Each additional 15-minute interval can further decrease mortality across all age groups, including individuals with preexisting cardiovascular disease.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as an effective regimen for promoting cardiovascular fitness. According to Druz, HIIT maximizes VO2 max (the maximum volume of oxygen a body can use during intense exercise), a key indicator of cardiovascular health and strong predictor of longevity. However, she acknowledges that HIIT may not be accessible to everyone because it alternates short periods of intense, explosive exercise with brief recovery periods to the point of exhaustion.
In such cases, she recommends incorporating “exercise snacks” into daily routines, which involve brief bursts of movement throughout the day. Walking the dog, carrying groceries, completing household chores or simply standing more frequently can contribute to a less
OUR SERVICES:
Harmonic Egg Session • Energetic Support Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy • Holistic Consultation
Vibrational Sound healing helps me heal on all levels... physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. ~ Rev. Robyn
sedentary lifestyle. These accessible steps make it easier to integrate movement into daily living.
Nature’s Rewards
Spending time outdoors provides more than aesthetic appeal and access to fresh air. Living closer to nature has been linked to lower incidences of cardiovascular disease, stress, diabetes and stroke. Exposure to green space is associated with lower blood pressure, improved heart rate variability and reduced cardiovascular mortality. A 2016 study in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases involving nearly 12,000 participants observed that the more recreation time someone spends outdoors, the less likely they are to die of cardiovascular disease.
The Transformative Energy of Optimism
Outlook influences physiology. Positive emotions, optimism and life satisfaction are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and reduced mortality. The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that compared to pessimistic individuals, optimistic people have better vascular health, fewer heart attacks and lower cardiovascular mortality. Among individuals with established disease, those that are optimistic about their treatment and recovery often experience better rates of long-term survival and enhanced function.
Optimism is a skill, not a fixed trait. The AHA identifies Type D (or “distressed”) personality traits, characterized by negative emotions and increased self-criticism, as being linked to poorer cardiovascular outcomes. Encouragingly, Type D individuals often respond favorably to cardiac rehabilitation programs that combine physical activity with counseling and psychological support.
Volunteer work also contributes to well-being. A 2017 study in BMC Public Health determined that regular volunteering is associated with enhanced self-rated health and reduced mortality. Older adults
Alternative Therapy HARMONIC EGG
NAPERVILLE
Healing for your body, mind, and spirit.
Discover the transformative power of the Harmonic Egg®, an innovative form of energy medicine and alternative therapy designed to restore balance and promote natural healing in your body, mind and spirit. Nestled in the heart of Naperville, our center offers a unique, holistic approach to well-being through Harmonic Egg Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and a range of alternate healing modalities.
Harmonic Egg Naperville • Now open 7 days a week 630-780-0193 • HarmonicEgg-Naperville.com
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc from Getty Images/CanvaPro
that
These findings underscore the significance of joy and purpose in human life. They are integral to the biology of the heart. When individuals cultivate a more compassionate perspective toward themselves and others, their hearts experience a measurable positive impact.
The Strength of Connection
Relationships exert a powerful influence on health. In a 2016
meta-analysis study published in Heart, researchers determined that poor social relationships were associated with a 29 percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a 32 percent increased risk of stroke. Humans are inherently wired for connection, and extended loneliness can have measurable physiological consequences.
“We need each other,” Druz emphasizes. “We are living in a sea of loneliness, and loneliness can be a hugely impactful factor on health.” Making time for family, friendships, community groups or new social circles fosters both emotional well-being and heart resilience.
Loving Our Heart Back
Cardiovascular health encompasses not only disease prevention, but also the cultivation of a lifestyle that enhances vitality, connection, rest and overall well-being. These choices do not need to be drastic. Incorporating more green vegetables, spending more time in the sun, taking a moment to breathe mindfully, taking a short walk outside, getting a good night’s sleep and reaching out to loved ones can collectively contribute to a foundation that can extend life expectancy and enhance the quality of life.
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator at KnoWEwell, P.B.C., and former writer at the National Institutes of Health.
Garlic Therapy
Eating Our Way to a Healthier Heart
by Marlaina Donato
Fresh garlic is a pungent delight that can jazz up any meal, from hearty winter stews to sautéed vegetables on a bed of healthy grains. Allicin, the compound that gives crushed garlic its distinctive smell, protects the plant from pests and offers humans many health benefits, acting as an antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent; improving gut balance; and supporting cardiovascular and immune health.
Research published last year in Nutrition Reviews indicates that consumption of garlic significantly improves key cardiovascular risk markers, including cholesterol and blood sugar levels, blood pressure, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. In a 2022 article, the Cleveland Clinic suggests that red blood cells respond to the sulfur in garlic by creating nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide gases, which relax and expand blood vessels. A 2019 meta-analysis of clinical trials published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine concludes that supplementation with an aged garlic extract offers similar results to blood pressure-lowering medications. While more research is needed to understand the full-spectrum potential of this kitchen staple, regularly spicing up meals with a clove or two can foster better health.
Maximizing Benefits and Flavor
Mincing, grating or pressing garlic intensifies its pungency, waking up ordinary steamed vegetables when tossed with olive oil or spicing up homemade hummus. Whether regular grocery store-bought, traditional heirloom or locally grown, garlic offers benefits, but following a few easy tips ensures that its nutritious perks remain intact.
According to Natalie Ledesma, a board-certified oncology dietitian and the founder of Natalie Ledesma Integrative & Functional Nutrition Consulting, in San Francisco, it is best to allow chopped or crushed garlic to sit for about 10 minutes before consuming it, cooking with it or adding it to vinaigrettes or other salad dressings. This waiting period maximizes the formation of allicin. Notably, the acidic nature of vinegar or lemon juice compromises allicin’s stability.
“If you compare raw garlic to garlic that has been cooked by various methods, you can see dramatic drops in allicin, one of the purported active ingredients,” advises Dr. Michael Greger, founding member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and author of several
national bestsellers, including How Not to Die, The How Not to Die Cookbook and How Not to Age
If garlic must be cooked, he suggests roasting to retain vital qualities that are quickly lost through simmering, high-heat stir-frying and boiling. “It is simple to prepare and can be used to add flavor to almost any dish,” he explains. “After roasting the garlic, you can also puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth, then portion and freeze it for future use.” A head of roasted garlic yields about one-and-a-half to two tablespoons of a delicious paste, which can be slathered on warm bread or sandwiches, whipped into zesty dips, and stirred into creamy mashed potatoes or a bowl of pasta.
“There are other beneficial compounds in garlic that are not deactivated by heat. They include ajoene, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide and S-allyl cysteine, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting benefits,” advises Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a board-certified family physician, president of the Nutritional Research Foundation and author of several bestsellers, including his Eat to Live Cookbook.
Hacks for Sensitive Bellies and General Tips
Garlic should be avoided by anyone on pharmaceutical or herbal blood thinners. For those that experience stomach or intestinal upset, Ledesma suggests removing the green sprout inside the garlic clove, a prime culprit for indigestion, or eating only the garlic scapes (the curly green flower stalks that grow on the garlic plant), which are generally well-tolerated.
For less discomfort and added convenience, Fuhrman endorses dehydrated raw garlic granules, noting that they will soften, expand and partially cook when sprinkled over veggies as they are steamed in a pot, enhancing its digestibility.
When purchasing garlic, choose intact heads that are firm to the touch, have plump cloves and do not have a strong odor of garlic— an indication of damage and loss of vital benefits. After chopping or peeling, rubbing cutting boards and hands with fresh lemon juice will remove the pungent garlic aroma.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWood Smoke.com
ROASTED GARLIC
YIELD: 1½ TO 2 TBSP OF GARLIC PASTE
1 whole head of garlic or more
Preheat the oven to 400° F.
Use a sharp knife to cut about ⅓ inch off the top of the whole head of garlic to expose the tops of the garlic cloves. Place the bulb inside a terracotta garlic baker or wrap it securely in parchment paper.
Bake in the oven, cut side up, for 30 to 40 minutes or until the garlic cloves are soft. Remove from the oven and open the garlic baker or parchment paper to let the garlic cool.
Remove one garlic clove and squeeze it over a small bowl, allowing the soft, roasted garlic to slip out of the papery skin. If it is not soft and golden brown, return the rest of the bulb to the garlic baker or rewrap it in parchment paper and bake for a few more minutes.
When the garlic is soft inside and cool enough to handle, squeeze out each roasted garlic clove into the bowl. It is now ready to enjoy. To give it a uniform texture, mash it with a fork or puree it in a food processor.
Tip: Roasted garlic can be stored in the refrigerator in a jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 5 days or portioned and frozen for up to a month.
Recipe courtesy of Dr. Michael Greger.
Photosiber
CREAMY TOFU BASIL SAUCE
YIELD: 6 SERVINGS, ½ CUP EACH
1 12.3-oz package of silken
tofu
½ cup water
¾ cup fresh basil, chopped
4 Tbsp nutritional yeast
3 Tbsp gluten-free tamari
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
¾ tsp black pepper
Blend all ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Serve over pasta, vegetables or a baked potato.
Recipe courtesy of Natalie Ledesma.
ZINGY BALSAMIC-LIME VINAIGRETTE
YIELD: 1¼ CUPS FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 SERVINGS
½ cup balsamic vinegar
Juice of 1 freshly squeezed
lime
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
BLACK BEAN STEW WITH PURPLE SWEET POTATOES
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
Mango adds color and a touch of sweetness to this luscious stew. Make it as spicy as desired, adding more or less jalapeño to taste. If purple sweet potatoes are unavailable, any sweet potato varietal will do. Substitute thawed, frozen mango for fresh if the fruit is not in season.
1 large red onion, chopped
2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
2 large purple sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced
1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
2 cups vegetable broth or water
2 tsp white miso paste
1 fresh garlic clove, minced or grated
½ tsp sea salt or smoked salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black or white peppercorns
Combine all ingredients and hand-whisk until well blended. Drizzle vinaigrette over green salads, potato salad, cold green beans, or grilled tofu or shrimp. Store remainder in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.
¼ cup hot water
3 cups salt-free black beans, home-cooked or from BPA-free cans, drained and rinsed
1 14.5-oz BPA-free can of salt-free, diced tomatoes, undrained
1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted and diced
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
In a large pot, heat a few tablespoons of water over medium heat. Add the red onion, then cover and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook another 2 minutes. Add a little more water, if needed, to prevent the onion and garlic from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add the sweet potato, bell pepper, jalapeño (if using) and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender but still firm, about 25 minutes.
Blend together the white miso paste and ¼ cup of hot water.
Stir in the beans, tomatoes in their juice and miso mixture, then simmer gently, uncovered, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Add the mango and cook for 1 more minute, then stir in the cilantro and serve hot.
Recipe courtesy of Dr. Michael Greger.
Overnight Oats a Seasonal Favorite Using Local Winter Grains
by Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN Executive Director, Illinois Farmers Market Association
Looking for a quick, satisfying and nutritious breakfast featuring Illinois-grown ingredients? Overnight oats are made in advance and can be customized to fit your dietary needs and goals.
Oats are a nutrition powerhouse. They’re a whole grain full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Oats may provide heart health benefits and are a good source of fiber.
The following recipe is for a single serving. It can be made directly into a glass jar or container or multiplied and made in a larger glass bowl with a lid. Whether you want individual servings or enough for a crowd, this recipe works for you.
It’s also flexible—you can modify it based on what you have on hand.
Illinois has farmers that produce grains like oats. Check out Janie’s Mill or Hazzard Farms online stores.
Artisan grain and honey producers can also be found at winter farmers markets. There are more than 40 winter farmers markets in Illinois. Visit the Illinois Farmers Market Association website (ilfma.org/find-a-market) to find a winter market near you. Winter markets feature items that can be produced or made year-round.
OVERNIGHT OATS
YIELD: 1 SERVING
½ cup rolled oats, not instant*
½ cup milk or any plant-based milk
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp chia seeds or oat bran
1-2 tsp local honey*
¼ cup fresh or frozen fruit
(I used the blueberries I bought at a farmers market last summer and froze)
1 Tbsp slivered almonds
*May be available at a winter farmers market
by Janie
Photo
Maxwell
Measure all ingredients directly into a glass jar with a lid—Ball mason jars work perfectly. Stir, then place in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 2 hours. Serve with additional fruit if desired.
Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN, is the executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA). ILFMA supports local food and food systems by giving Illinois farmers markets and producers access to resources, education and connections to grow healthier and economically vibrant communities. For more information, visit ilfma.org.
Buy Local, Eat Local.
Support Local: Why Farmers Markets Matter
The Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA) helps make fresh, local food available across the state by supporting farmers markets and the people that run them. Shopping at farmers markets isn’t just about delicious farm fresh products—it’s about building stronger communities, supporting small farms and making healthy food accessible to all. Many Illinois markets accept SNAP and WIC benefits, thanks in part to ILFMA’s efforts. Local markets reduce environmental impact and connect people directly with growers. Every visit supports a more sustainable food system. For more information or to find a market nearby, visit ilfma.org
Photo by Janie Maxwell
Fresh Momentum in Chicagoland’s Local Food Scene
by Bob Benenson
February may feel like a quieter month for local food, but some of the most meaningful groundwork for the year ahead is already happening. From big news in the Chicagoland farmers market world to the steady impact of community supported agriculture, this month’s Local Food Dispatch highlights how our regional food community continues to support farmers and build connection, even in the heart of winter.
Green City Market Plants Roots for a Year-Round Home
The public’s rising interest in healthy eating and locally produced foods has sparked historic growth in the Chicago region’s farmers market sector. Yet many local food fans have been frustrated by the lack of a year-round indoor market, like those in cities such as San Francisco, Detroit and Washington, D.C.
But after years of discussion, Green City Market—a Chicago farmers market innovator since its founding in 1999—is now taking a big step in that direction. The nonprofit announced on January 9 that it has purchased a building on the city’s North Side at 2457 W. Montrose Avenue, which will become the market’s first permanent, year-round home.
days and event programming. According to Green City Market Executive Director Letisha (Tish) Steele, “Especially with offering different education programs and culinary demonstrations and things of that nature, it’s just exciting to have something to be a part of.”
She adds, “We’re also excited to use the space for conversations. In the past, we’ve called them sustainable suppers, and we’ll probably keep that as well. These will be a bit more of a family-style event talking about issues and successes that we’re having in our food systems and an opportunity to meet the makers behind the food, the growers, the folks who are talking about policy.”
Steele also says there are discussions about building cooler space and turning the new location into a hub where farmers can drop off orders for restaurant clients.
Green City Market’s location for its new year-round indoor space (glass-fronted building on right) is just west of an Aldi supermarket on Montrose Avenue in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood.
The new site will complement (not replace) Green City’s established marketplaces: its spring-to-fall outdoor markets in Chicago’s Lincoln Park and West Loop and its indoor winter market, currently located in the Avondale neighborhood, but likely to move into the Montrose Avenue facility for the 2026 to 27 season.
While planning the new space is still under way, it appears likely that it will be a hybrid of a limited schedule of pop-up food market
“A lot of our smaller farmers sell directly to so many of the amazing chefs around the city,” Steele says. “For them to be able to just [compile their orders here] instead of driving around the city... that’s a really great opportunity as well.”
This step has been a long time coming for Green City Market. Founder Abby Mandel strongly supported the idea of a permanent indoor location and created a financial trust to fund it before her death in 2008. Steele learned about it during the interview process last spring that led to her hiring as executive director.
“I’m so aligned with Abby’s original vision and so many folks who support that,” Steele says. “It was something that needed to happen. We could keep putting it off and putting it off, but when I went back through historical documents, this was something that was so profoundly important to Abby and to her family. I felt like this had to be a first priority.”
Photo by Bob Benenson
that promotes greater healthy food access, grows a wide variety of produce for its CSA customers at its small farm in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.
Community Supported Agriculture: Connecting Local Farms and Families
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a system in which a farm sells its products by subscription to local consumers, most of whom purchase prepaid shares of the farm’s output and receive them periodically throughout the growing season. February is National CSA Month, designed to promote subscriptions among local food lovers.
CSAs played a major role in financially supporting small farms at a time—not too long ago—when it was harder for consumers to
Major CSA Farms Serving Chicagoland
The following are just some of the many CSA farms serving Chicagoland. Many are offering 2026 seasonal and full-year subscriptions, while others may have reached capacity for the year.
Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm Meat CSA (Ottawa)
Chicago Patchwork Farms
Geneva Lakes Produce Farm (Burlington, WI)
Just Roots (Chicago and Sauk Village)
Liberty Prairie (Grayslake)
Mint Creek Farm (Cabery)
Nichols Farm and Orchard (Marengo)
Rustic Road Farm (Elburn)
Second City Greens (Lockport)
Star Farm (Chicago)
The Talking Farm (Skokie)
Tomato Mountain Farm (Brooklyn, WI)
Urban Growers Collective (Chicago and Chicago Heights)
reliably source locally produced fruits and vegetables, grains, eggs and meats. The CSA community has been challenged by the proliferation of farmers markets over the past quarter century (there are now more than 100 seasonal outdoor markets in metro Chicago alone) and virtual online farm markets.
Yet a number of Chicago region farms have sustained loyal clienteles and, in many cases, will be accepting additional 2026 season subscribers in February and beyond.
For local food devotees, CSA remains one of the most enduring and impactful models in the local food economy. At its core, this arrangement creates a true partnership between farmers and their customers, built on shared commitment, mutual benefit and trust. It has been said that nothing expresses the mantra “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” better than CSA.
There is no one-size-fits-all CSA. Each farm structures its program around what it grows best and how it serves its customers. Many CSAs offer weekly or biweekly shares, multiple box sizes, and a choice of pickup sites or home delivery. Some operate traditional “farmer’s choice” boxes, while others provide market-style or customizable selections. This flexibility has made CSAs more accessible to busy urban households and suburban families alike.
While National CSA Month is not necessarily a deadline—many CSA farms continue to accept new subscribers later in the year—it provides a good opportunity to do more research and maybe even a farm visit or two to determine whether a CSA is a good fit.
Bob Benenson is the writer and publisher of Local Food Forum, a Chicago-based publication that maintains a regional farmers market tracker and covers the markets regularly. For more information, visit LocalFoodForum.com
Local Food Dispatch welcomes tips, updates and stories from around the region and encourages readers to share local food news as it unfolds. Please email Bob@LocalFoodForum.com
Photo by Bob Benenson
Photo by Bob Benenson
Just Roots, a non-profit
A sampling of Just Roots’ weekly produce in the author’s kitchen.
Foot Fitness for Longevity
The Path to Better Balance and Blood Flow
by Maya Whitman
Often overlooked in fitness routines, the feet and ankles are essential to whole-body function, especially as we age. They support balance, proper posture, mobility and even circulatory and lymphatic flow. “The venous system does not have any capability to pump blood from the lower extremities to the heart and relies on our movements to assist the return of blood,” explains Kim Henderson, a chiropractic physician and the founder of Health Clarified, in Northbrook. When we walk or exercise, our leg muscles—especially in the calves—contract and compress the deep veins, acting like a pump to force blood upward.
For older adults, runners or anyone focused on holistic health, strengthening and mobilizing the toes, feet and ankles can enhance cardiovascular support, reduce fall risk and restore lower body mechanics. Every year, more than 2 million people suffer from plantar fasciitis-related heel pain, one in four adults over 65 experience falls, and more than 2 million visit emergency rooms for sprained ankles. Simple, consistent exercises can enhance quality of life and prevent injuries at any age. Strong calves, flexible ankles and healthy fascia (connective tissue) make every step more stable.
Causes of Foot Instability
Overpronation is when the foot rolls excessively inward while walking or running, causing the arch to flatten and the ankle to angle inward, leading to potential pain
in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, back and beyond. “We have seen chronic neck and shoulder pain be reduced, even eliminated, by supporting the arch,” notes Henderson, whose patients complete a series of exercises to strengthen the affected muscles.
According to Chicago-based fitness expert Stephanie Mansour, host of the PBS show Step It Up With Steph and a fitness contributor to The Today Show, foot instability and discomfort can have multiple causes, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes, overdoing activities without proper warm-up, ignoring pain, excessive barefoot walking, being overweight and medical conditions like diabetes. Listening to the body, rather than pushing through
pain, and promptly addressing minor discomfort are paramount.
“Independence depends on functioning feet. That limp will lead to imbalances up into the knees, hips, spine and even shoulders,” underscores orthopedic and corrective exercise specialist Matt Hsu, founder of Upright Health, in California. The most common issue, he says, is a lack of dorsiflexion—the ability to pull the toes and forefoot toward the knee. “This throws off our gait and sets us up for Achilles tendon injuries, especially.” Hsu adds that bunions can also affect our ease of movement and suggests wearing shoes with wider toe boxes to prevent the condition.
Essential Exercises
To cultivate good balance, the National Institute on Aging recommends engaging in three sessions of balance exercises per week, including tai chi, yoga or standing on one foot for five to 10 repetitions per leg, holding each for 10 to 30 seconds. To loosen the arch and increase range of motion, the American Association of Retired Persons suggests rolling a small ball for one minute under each foot daily.
“Regular exercise can improve circulation, reduce stiffness and enhance proprioception, which is your body’s awareness of its position in space. This contributes to better overall mobility,” says Mansour, who recommends that the following four exercises be done three or four times a week. Aim for two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions for each foot.
Calf Raises: Using a wall or chair for support, slowly rise onto the balls of the feet, lifting the heels off the ground. Hold for a moment, then slowly lower back down. This strengthens calf muscles and the Achilles tendon.
Toe Curls With a Towel: Sit in a chair and place a flat towel under the feet. Keeping heels on the floor, curl the toes to grab the towel and raise it toward the body. Relax and repeat. This strengthens feet muscles and helps with arch support.
Ankle Circles: In a seated position, move each foot in circles, first clockwise and then counterclockwise. This improves flexibility, balance and range of motion, while also preventing stiffness and injury.
Toe Spread: While sitting or standing, try to spread all the toes apart as wide as possible. Hold for a few seconds, then relax and repeat. This creates a wider base for better balance during movement, strengthens foot muscles and combats bunions, hammertoes and plantar fasciitis.
Henderson recommends Heel Raises on Stairs: Stand on a step with both heels hanging over the edge. Slowly lift the heels, keeping the legs straight, while standing on the balls of the feet. Now lower the heels down past the level of the step as far as comfortable before repeating the upward movement again. Aim for two sets of 15 to 20 repetitions, four to five times per week.
Hsu suggests incorporating Tibial Raises: Lean back against a wall with feet 12 to 20 inches apart. Keeping heels down, gently lift the
toes toward the shins, then lower them slowly. Repeat until reaching medium fatigue in the shin muscles. Do two sets. This strengthens shins and improves balance, knee support and ankle stability.
Before starting any routine, consult a health professional. Strive for consistency over intensity. Exercise should be a challenge, not cause pain.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
Are you tired of being sick and rundown? Many of us feel our energy drop and our immune systems struggle to keep up Health Clarif ied offers the ultimate trifecta to restore balance, boost vitality, and recover more quickly f rom colds, flu, and other seasonal illnesses
Light Therapy: Rejuvenate your cells, reduce inflammation, and suppor t your immune system naturally
Enhancement Therapy (LET): Detoxify to keep your system clear and resilient
Therapy: Relieve congestion, ease tension, and stimulate your body ’s natural healing flow
When Nature Calls the Heart to Travel
by Shae Marcus
Before we crave a getaway, we often crave a landscape: a forest, water, open sky. Something in us knows what we need long before we can explain it.
The pull toward nature is rarely random. When the heart feels tired or overwhelmed, it instinctively reaches for places that offer steadiness and relief. This is where mindful travel begins—not with a destination, but by listening for the environment that feels most supportive right now.
Forests offer a deep sense of safety. Their quiet, filtered light and steady rhythm help the nervous system soften. Time among
trees slows breathing and creates a feeling of being held. Forest retreats and woodland stays are often especially nourishing during periods of grief, emotional overload, or burnout—when the heart needs calm more than stimulation.
Water speaks to release. Oceans, lakes, rivers and hot springs invite movement and flow, helping emotions soften and shift. Many people feel lighter near water, as if it gently carries what they’ve been holding. Coastal escapes and lakeside retreats naturally support reflection, renewal and emotional clarity.
Mountains offer perspective. Their vastness creates space between us and our worries, reminding us that not everything needs immediate resolution. Mountain journeys often support insight, strength, and renewed direction, especially when the heart feels uncertain or burdened by decisions.
Wide open landscapes—fields, deserts, expansive horizons—restore breath and possibility. These environments are particularly nurturing when life feels constricting, offering the heart room to expand again.
What makes nature-centered travel so powerful is its simplicity. These landscapes do much of the work for us. We don’t need packed schedules or constant activity. Walking, sitting, breathing and noticing are often enough to help the heart find its rhythm again.
All Photos courtesy
Shae
Marcus
These journeys don’t have to be far away. A local retreat tucked into the woods, a nearby shoreline stay or a short mountain escape can be just as nourishing as traveling across the world. What matters most is not distance, but alignment.
Before planning one’s next trip, consider asking a gentler question: What kind of landscape is calling me right now? When nature leads, travel becomes less about escape and more about returning—to steadiness, clarity and a heart that feels supported once again.
Finding a Nature-Centered Retreat
Retreat.Guru – A directory of wellness and nature-based retreats searchable by location and setting.
BookRetreats.com – A platform for discovering local and global retreats rooted in mindfulness, yoga and restoration.
Shae Marcus, is founder of the 11:11 Experience, which creates intentional journeys where nature, movement and connection meet—inviting women to travel with purpose, presence and a deeper return to self. For more information, visit The1111experience.com See ad on this page.
SEPTEMBER 20 - 27, 2026
REGISTRATION
Step into a sacred space where your soul can breathe and reconnect. Nestled in the heart of Bali, this retreat offers a holistic journey—nurturing body, heart, and spirit through healing practices, mindful movement, and cultural connection. It’s more than just a getaway—it’s a return to wholeness, joy, and inner peace.
July
Teacher
For over 16 years we have been providing a professionally instructed program, dedicated to empowering YOU to practice, understand and teach the 8-fold path of Yoga.
For over 16 years we have been providing a professionally instructed program, dedicated to empowering YOU to practice, understand and teach the 8-fold path of Yoga.
For over 16 years we have been providing a professionally instructed program, dedicated to empowering YOU to practice, understand and teach the 8-fold path of Yoga.
Scan the QR code to watch our short video and view full program
Scan the QR code to watch our short video and view full program information.
Scan the QR code to watch our short video and view full program information. The ashram is true to its promises, delivering a place not only to learn, but to grow. It is an uplifting experience, in a magical setting, and a much needed return to the root of yoga.
The ashram is true to its promises, delivering a place not only to learn, but to grow. It is an uplifting experience, in a magical setting, and a much needed return to the root of yoga. -Gabrielle, 200YTT Graduate
The ashram is true to promises, delivering a place not only learn, but to grow. It is an uplifting experience, in a magical setting, and a much needed return to the root of
-Gabrielle, 200YTT Graduate
yoga
Mantra & Chanting Chakra Science
Bhaghvad Gita
Yoga Sutras
(484) STUDY@KULAKAMALAFOUNDATION.ORG KULA FOUNDATION & YOGA ASHRAM
Nature’s Cardiologist
Herbs and Nutrients That Heal the Heart
by Hannah Tytus
Because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, management of its risk factors, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, is paramount. “It is easier and more meaningful to prevent disease than to try to reverse the damages,” says holistic cardiologist Joel Kahn, M.D., founder of the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity, in Michigan and Florida, as well as a clinical professor of medicine at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, in Detroit, and author of several books, including The Whole Heart Solution and The Plant-Based Solution.
An integrative approach that combines nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and proper sleep is advised. Additionally, certain herbs and nutritional supplements may serve to prevent disease, as well as enhance medical care. From ancient botanicals to targeted nutrients, these natural allies offer powerful benefits by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
Plant-Centric Nourishment
The Mediterranean Diet and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet are the most researched for cardiovascular health. The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes locally sourced vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, nuts and seafood, with moderate consumption of meat and dairy. The DASH Diet, designed by researchers at the National Institutes of Health, prioritizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy, while limiting sodium, sugar and saturated fat intake. Both diets are well-supported by scientific evidence to improve heart health and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Key Supplements
When supplements are warranted, Kahn starts with the basics. “CoQ10 and omega-3s are two very important supplements that work well together,” he asserts. “Most patients on statins [to lower cholesterol] become severely CoQ10 deficient.” CoQ10, a naturally occurring coenzyme, aids in cellular energy production. A 2017 study showed that combining CoQ10 and omega-3s with statins reduced the drug’s negative effects while still lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
Claudia Joy Wingo, a registered nurse, clinical herbalist and public health educator with more than 45 years of experience, stresses the importance of a nutrient-rich diet over supplements. She prefers whole foods to fish oil supplements. While supplementation can be beneficial, it should ideally accompany whole foods. CoQ10 and omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish, olive oil and a variety of nuts and seeds.
Herbs for Cardiovascular Health
Emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying vascular issues, Wingo explains, “High blood pressure damages epithelial tissue in your arteries, and your body patches things up by laying down cholesterol and plaques.” Ruptured plaques can block blood flow, causing heart attacks. According to Wingo, the best strategies integrate biomedicine with nutritional and herbal support. Medications control blood pressure, while herbs nourish the surrounding tissue. Many herbs contain antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory compounds that may prevent artery damage and atherosclerosis.
Aged Garlic: Although garlic has been used for centuries, modern research has focused on aged extracts specifically for cardiovascular support, which “lower cholesterol, blood pressure, homocysteine and plaque in heart arteries,” according to Kahn.
Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) and Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Kahn recommends combining these two botanical supplements, noting that clinical studies show this pairing can reduce vascular calcifications by approximately 10 percent. Wingo uses gotu kola daily as a tonic herb, adding it to teas for its nervous system-supportive properties that promote mental calmness, improve blood circulation and strengthen blood vessel walls.
Hawthorn: A member of the rose family, hawthorn is Wingo’s most trusted plant for cardiovascular health. Historically used as a heart tonic, it benefits the heart and blood vessels by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting healthy cholesterol levels and protecting the lining of blood vessels. A 2023 review published in Food & Function suggests it may improve circulation, relax blood vessels and prevent the clumping of blood platelets that can lead
viperagp from Getty Images/CanvaPro
to clots. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting hawthorn supplements, as it can interact with certain heart medications.
L-Carnitine: To treat people recovering from a cardiac event or those with an arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, Wingo often turns to L-carnitine, which, she asserts,
supports the heart’s mitochondria, thus improving their ability to produce energy.
Ginkgo Biloba: To promote circulation and reduce the risk of plaque-related complications, Wingo occasionally turns to ginkgo biloba to enhance blood flow and help stabilize arterial plaque, lowering the likelihood of rupture.
Polyphenol-Rich Plants: Wingo recommends plants rich in polyphenols for their ability to reduce oxidative stress, including blueberries, cranberries and green tea. For “nervous heart” symptoms, she suggests linden tea, which is used in Europe as a calming agent.
Personalized Treatment and Safety
Both experts stress the importance of personalized, guided care. Instead of following online supplement trends, work with a trained professional to create a targeted plan. Kahn
SAFER - HEALTHIER BODY AND BREAST SCREENING
• Medical Infrared Thermal Imaging makes a first glance possible, offering the best and possibly only chance for prevention.
• Thermal Imaging can track early changes in breast tissue up to 4-6 years
• Early screening of risks allows you to find balance through nutrition, supplements and herbal therapy.
• Safe, painless, non-invasive!
• FDA registered.
Your Appointment for Medical Infrared Thermal Imaging Today! Thermography is not a stand-alone test and does not replace a mammogram or other diagnostic tests. IllinoisThermography.com
• Scheduling: 847-363-3314
points out that many popular supplements lack significant research and advises choosing reputable, third-party-tested brands. Wingo shares similar concerns about self-medicating with multiple herbs that do not suit the patient’s condition. She emphasizes that herbs should complement, not replace, conventional medicine, and they are most effective when used with prescribed treatments.
Their advice is clear: Research thoroughly and seek the advice of an experienced clinician, such as a naturopath or an herbalist registered with the American Herbalists Guild. It is also important to consult the patient’s treating cardiologist when considering an herb or supplement, as they may interfere with heart medications or cause unintended side effects that are counterproductive.
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator at KnoWEwell, P.B.C., and former writer at the National Institutes of Health.
Hawthorn berry tincture
From Negativity to Self-Compassion
A Conversation With Shauna Shapiro
by Sandra Yeyati
Shauna Shapiro, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and professor at the Santa Clara University School of Education and Counseling Psychology, in California. An internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and compassion, she has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed papers and three critically acclaimed books that have been translated into 19 languages. Her TEDx talk, The Power of Mindfulness, has garnered more than 3.5 million views.
A sought-after keynote speaker, Shapiro has presented her research at esteemed academic institutions such as the Stanford School of Medicine, Harvard Law School and Oxford University, as well as global forums, including the World Council for Psychotherapy and the World Happiness Summit. She has delivered evidence-based mindfulness training to Fortune 500 companies like Google, Cisco Systems and LinkedIn, and her work has been featured in media outlets, such as The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review and Forbes. Shapiro has even been invited to share her expertise with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the King of Thailand and the Danish government.
This conversation features topics explored in her national bestseller Good Morning, I Love You: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire the Brain for Calm, Clarity and Joy.
How do you define self-compassion?
Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with the same kindness, understanding and support we would offer a dear friend, even when we’ve made a mistake. Most of us are overly critical and judgmental of ourselves. The idea is that we are worthy and deserving of love and acceptance, no matter what. We don’t have to prove ourselves or achieve certain goals to earn love.
Scientific research has demonstrated that when we shame and judge ourselves, it shuts down the learning centers of the brain. Self-compassion leads to the release of oxytocin, the hormone of safety and soothing, as well as dopamine, which turns on the learning centers of the brain. This neurochemical soup of safety and kindness ultimately enhances our ability to learn and improve.
How can we cultivate self-compassion?
Neuroplasticity is the most hopeful message we’ve had in brain science in the last 400 years because it shows that the brain is always changing and that it’s never too late to change. Self-compassion isn’t something that just happens overnight. It’s something that we have to practice.
Courtesy Shauna Shapir
I have a three-step mindfulness approach. The first step is acknowledging and identifying the source of pain, such as fear, frustration or sadness. The second step is to bring kindness to yourself like you would offer a distressed friend.
The third step, called common humanity, is a little complex. Typically, when we experience pain, we tend to isolate, thinking, “I’m the only one going through a divorce” or “I’m the only one who’s lonely.” But that’s not true. The third step of self-compassion practice is to recognize that you are not the only one having this experience. By extending compassion to those suffering in similar ways, you can then internalize and assimilate that compassion for yourself.
Can you explain your “Good Morning, I Love You” practice?
During my divorce with a 3-year-old son, I grappled with significant shame and negativity. My teacher said, “What you focus on grows stronger. You’re practicing a lot of anger, self-judgment and doubt. It would be helpful to practice some compassion.” She suggested I start saying, “I love you, Shauna” every day. But I felt it was contrived and inauthentic, so she proposed simply saying “Good morning” upon waking.
The following day, I took a deep breath, put my hand on my heart, and said, “Good morning.” It was kind of nice. Instead of the shame, fear and judgment, I felt this flash of kindness, so I continued to practice it.
That year, I found myself alone on my birthday for the first time in my life. My son was with his father, and I was at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. As I awoke, I remembered my recently deceased grandmother, who had always been an embodiment of unconditional love. Before I knew it, I said, “Good morning, I love you. Happy birthday!” I felt my grandmother’s love, followed by this flood of self-love and compassion for the first time in my adult life.
I’ve been practicing this ever since. Every morning when I wake up, I say, “Good morning, I love you.” Sometimes I feel it. Sometimes I don’t. The point is just to keep planting the seeds—to practice—and what you practice grows stronger. Self-compassion is like a muscle that you’re strengthening. It’s not something that comes easy. You’ll still feel self-judgment and self-doubt at times, but you’re making a commitment to continue to grow toward self-compassion. Practice is what transforms us.
Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.
To read a longer version of this conversation, visit TinyURL.com/ShapiroWW or scan the QR code.
WE OFTEN HEAR THIS FROM OUR FIRST TIME CLIENTS. CALL US TODAY TO SEE IF COLON HYDROTHERAPY IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
• Open 7 days a week, including evenings
• Spanish speaking services
• Free onsite parking
• Conveniently located in the Northwest side of the city
• 135+ 5-Star Google reviews
Mention this ad and save $20 off of your initial appointment! CALL US TODAY!
5962 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60659 MidwestCleanse.com • 773-728-6800
(Located on the lower level of the Lincoln Peterson Medical Professional Building.)
Caring for the Smiles You Love Most
through 2/28/26.
be combined with any other
Weaving Gold Into Life’s Story
by Marlaina Donato
In the depths of winter, our sorrow, dis appointment and old longings can feel heavier, making us question if sunlight will ever return to our hearts. Like a bare February landscape, pain strips us to the honest bone.
Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with precious metals like gold, serves as an inspiration for life. When our joy or stability shatters, we can transform the remaining pieces into something beautiful. Our hard-earned wisdom, self-compassion and unwavering faith act like precious metals, softening the edg es and filling the deep cracks of our brokenness.
Witnessing a loved one fall apart is challenging, but sometimes our greatest act of support is allowing them the space to unearth the metaphorical gold needed for their own repair. Healing is a private and unique journey into the deep self, enabling the art of being fully human.
“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on,” said poet Robert Frost, who endured the unspeakable loss of both parents at a young age, as well as the deaths of his wife and
“The
four of their six children. Like Frost, who turned tragedy into an artistic legacy, we can cultivate new life from our barren seasons and ruined harvests. We can take our darkest hours in hand to become mended vessels capable of holding future joy.
To embody the ancient metaphorical art of Kintsugi, consider these inspirations:
Handwrite your losses on one piece of paper and the things that remain on another. Frame the latter and place it somewhere as a daily reminder.
• Tear heavy craft paper into large pieces; write a loss on each one, then reassemble the pieces. Pour metallic paint between the seams, let it dry and frame under glass as an art piece.
• Visualize being a tree with deep roots reaching into an underground river of gold, drawing up nourishment.
Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.
Home is not a place, it’s a feeling.
—Cecelia
Ahern
~Paramahansa Yogananda
ParamahansaYogananda author of Autobiography of a Yogi
MarcoMontaltifrom
Connect, share and grow with Natural Awakenings Chicago’s Energy & Healing Arts Network (EHAN) — a dedicated monthly section designed for local practitioners and businesses to spotlight offerings, connect with our readers and foster meaningful connections.
Monica Rundell for in-person or virtual appointment
Usui Reiki Master with crystals & vibrational sound healing, Certified NLP and Hypnosis Practitioner, Psychic Medium Readings 0S165 Church Street, Winfield, IL 60190 773-609-2326 call or text MetamorphicRise.com
MARK PATENT ENERGY HEALING
Natural-born energy healer. Physical, mental & spiritual healing. Energy balancing. 830 S. Buffalo Grove Rd, #113, Buffalo Grove 847-275-7439 | MarkPatentHealing.com
THE AGAPE HOUSE
Reiki, Intuitive Readings Reiki Shares, Sound Bath Meditations 603 Geneva Rd, St. Charles 416 E. Roosevelt Rd, #107, Wheaton 630-294-5225
TheAgapeHouse1977@gmail.com
THE CHAKRA SHOPPE CLASSES & HEALINGS
Chakra Analysis & Healing, Reiki, Sound Healing, Crystal Healing, Guided Imagery, Core Belief Sessions. 5034 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago 773-271-3054
ChakraShoppe.com
Energy Medicine
HEALING HANDS BY ROSE
Reiki Master, Mary Magdalene Reiki, Divine Feminine Energy, Usui, Holy Fire and Karuna Reiki Healing Energy. Serving NW Chicago, Park Ridge & nearby 847-630-0455
HealingHandsByRose.com
HEALING LIGHT WELLNESS CENTER
24-unit EESystem Therapy for immune function, anti-aging, pain relief, detox & more
810 S. Buffalo Grove Rd. Buffalo Grove 224-481-2055
HealingLightWellnessCenter.com
Calendar of Events
African American History Month
Saturday, January 31
Craniosacral Therapy Essentials – Jan 31-Feb 1. 9am-4pm. This 2-day course is a practical introduction to the theory and practice of the biodynamics of craniosacral balancing. Learn essential ways to perceive the body’s intrinsic movement dynamics, rhythms and pulsations. 12 CEs. $300. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu.
Sunday, February 1
Full Moon – Snow Moon, Groundhog Moon
Face Yoga and Facial Acupuncture – With Maya. Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge. 847-696-7560. AshWillowSalon.com/ thenest.
Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation & Healing Session – 10-11:30am. Deep relaxation, meditation and healing session with Lillian Irene Lovas. Zoom session available. $15. The Chakra Shoppe, 5034 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago. 773-271-3054. ChakraShoppe.com.
Monday, February 2
Candlemas (Imbolc) – Wiccan Groundhog Day
World Wetlands Day
Wander at the Wetland: Full Moon Snowshoe & Hike – 4:30-8pm. Showcases the winter landscape of the prairies and wetlands at their largest preserve, a 721-acre wildlife refuge and birding hotspot. Free. Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W Rockton Rd, Rockton. Registration required: NaturalLand.org
Illinois’ Wild and Wonderful Early Bloomers – 6:30-8:30pm. Author and educator Cindy Crosby presents a blast of beautiful native wildflower color in the midst of our Illinois winter. She will share stories about our earliest spring wildflowers, their folklore and their uses throughout history by Native Americans and early settlers. In-person & online. Free. St John Lutheran Church, 7214 S Cass Ave, Darien. DarienGardenClub.com
Tuesday, February 3
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Wednesday, February 4
Eagle Talk and Walk – 9-10am. Warm up with a hot beverage and a fun chat about bald eagles, then take a short hike with a naturalist to hopefully see a few of these spectacular birds. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by Feb 2: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org
Green Drinks McHenry County –5-7pm. 1st Wed. Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake. GreenDrinks.org/IL/Crystal%20Lake
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. Yoga for men, all levels welcome. Explore increased flexibility and movement, reduced stress, improved breathing, find your calm and your center. Mats provided. $20. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Thursday, February 5
Trail Club: February at Lake Chaminwood – Thurs, Feb 5-26. 3-4pm. Each month we will meet at a different preserve for a brisk weekly walk to promote fitness and community. Join other walkers to beat the winter blues and embrace the beauty of the season. Free. Lake Chaminwood Preserve, 24251 W Shepley Rd, Minooka. 815-727-8700. ReconnectWithNature.org.
Layers of Dementia – 5-8pm. In-person, evening gathering for support, sharing and growing through dementia education. $35. Soulful Prairies, 4706 Alden Rd, Woodstock. 847-366-6743. SoulfulPrairies.com
Sound Bath – 7-8pm. Join Frances Murphy, certified sound healer, for a guided sound bath where you will hear and feel the sounds and vibrations of crystal singing bowls, crystal singing pyramid, chimes and other sound instruments. $25. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Friday, February 6
Winter Sowing for Monarchs – 6-7:30pm. Learn the ins and outs of winter seed sowing. leave with an upcycled greenhouse ready to be put outside to endure the winter weather while waiting for spring to arrive. Free. Hidden Oaks Preserve, 475 Trout Farm Rd, Bolingbrook. Register by Feb 5: 815-722-4121 or ReconnectWithNature.org
Egyptian Energy Forms: A Qigong Practice – Fridays, Feb 6-27. 7-8pm. With Lino Brescia. Qigong is thought of as a Chinese practice, but it was also practiced in ancient Egypt. Each form and movement creates a specific structure of energy that facilitates physiological and spiritual improvements. $25/drop-in. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Saturday, February 7
Vibrational Healing: Tuning Forks & Reiki for Deep Energy Alignment – 9am-1pm. Event blends the soothing frequencies of tuning forks with the deeply restorative energy of reiki to promote relaxation, balance and emotional clarity. 1-hr sessions. $55. The Agape House, 416 E Roosevelt Rd, Ste 107, Wheaton. 630-294-5225. TheAgapeHouseHealing.com
Meet a Beekeeper – 10am-12pm. Meet local beekeeper Dade Bradley, to discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot. Pick up specific beekeeping tips or simply learn more about the world of bees. Free. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. ReconnectWithNature.org
TEDxOakParkYouth: We’re Just Getting Started – 1-4pm. Our newest movement is focused on sharing ideas about and for youth in Oak Park and our surrounding communities. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to attend the event. Oak Park and River Forest High School, Little Theater, 201 Scoville Ave, Oak Park. TEDxOakPark.org
Crystal Talk: Month of Love – 2-3:30pm. With Janel, crystal consultant and lightworker. Learn how to tune into your higher knowing and intuition through working with crystals. Focus is on changing fear into love and welcoming the higher vibrations of love in all its aspects. $20. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Self-Love Workshop – 3-5pm. An intentional pause to deepen self-acceptance, set healthy boundaries and reconnect with your inner worth. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Sunday,
February 8
Feed Your Soul Gestalt Group – 2-4:30pm. 2nd Sun thru Nov 8. Share joys and disappointments in a safe environment without judgment. As the horses support you through the process, participants experience the life changing, deep healing of Gestalt therapy. $55. Soulful Prairies, 4706 Alden Rd, Woodstock. 847-366-6743. SoulfulPrairies.com
Soul & Energy Alignment: A Sacred Session of Reiki &Akashic Records – 2-6pm. Join us for a transformative 60-min session designed to awaken clarity, insight and deep energetic balance. Begin your experience with a 30-min Akashic Records reading with Laura Barna. Then, ease into a 30-min reiki session with Tina Santana. $40. The Agape House, 416 E Roosevelt Rd, Ste 107, Wheaton. 630-294-5225. TheAgapeHouseHealing.com
Monday, February 9
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Tuesday, February 10
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Wednesday, February 11
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See Feb 4 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com.
MenLiving: Where Men Find Connection and Support – 6:30pm. 2nd Wed. With Dan Bulf. Provides in-person spaces for men to craft healthier, more fulfilling lives. Free. Heaven Meets Earth, 2746 Central St, Evanston. Tinyurl.com/MenLiving2026.
Mystical Meno Moments – 7-8:30pm. For all stages of menopause, this gathering weaves practical understanding, intuitive insight and compassionate conversation. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Thursday, February 12
Nat’l Freedom to Marry Day
Mocktails at the Museum – 6-8pm. Enjoy different mocktails, learn about their connection to the preserves, participate in activity stations and explore the museum after hours. $5. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. Register by Feb 10: 815-722-9301 or ReconnectWithNature.org
Friday, February 13
Sports Massage – 9am-6pm. Course presents a general framework for basic sports massage protocols, injury assessment, neurological considerations and special tests. Additional considerations will also be discussed, including precautions, contraindications, intake documentation and hydro/cryo therapy integration. 8 CEs. $240. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
Sweetheart Night Hike – 6-7:30pm. Cuddle up with your special someone and join a naturalist for a romantic, guided night hike. Hickory Creek Preserve, 10537 W La Porte Rd, Mokena. Register by Feb 12: 815-722-4121 or ReconnectWithNature.org
Lantern-Lit Hike for Lovers – 6-9pm. Take time for just the two of you in the warm glow of lanterns along the trail. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by Feb 12: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org.
Beginning Zen Shiatsu: 2 Weekends –Feb 13-15 & Feb 20-22. 7-10pm, Fri; Sat/Sun 9:30am-4:30pm, Sat/Sun. Learn how to give a basic 1-hr shiatsu treatment that you can share with friends and family. Course is a stand-alone offering and is also the first 30 hrs of our complete shiatsu certification programs. $500 plus textbook. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-8641130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
Saturday, February 14
Valentine’s Day
Mercado de Intercambio – 10am-2pm. Amor y Amistad! Southside Social, 4432 S Ashland Ave, Chicago. PlantChicago.org
Sunday, February 15
Maha Shivaratri (Hinduism)
Nirvana Day (Buddhism)
Shine Bright Winter Art Show – Feb 15Mar 15. Shine Bright in Life, a community arts and healing center located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, will showcase artwork from community members. Artwork available for purchase. 841 W Sheridan Rd, Chicago. 773-537-5317. ShineBrightInLife.com
Introduction to Myofascial Release –9am-6pm. Work smarter, not harder, during your massage therapy session by learning to incorporate Myofascial Release techniques. This approach works without lubrication, using intention and patience to provide a gentle, slow, sustained pressure into the fascial restriction barriers. 8 CEs. $240. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu.
Monday, February 16
President’s Day
Tuesday, February 17
New Moon
Chinese New Year (Year of the Horse)
Mardi Gras
Pączki Day
Ramadan begins at sundown (Islam) New Moon & Solar Eclipse Vision Board Workshop – 6-7:30pm. With Brooke of Caged Byrd Yoga & Pilates. Through gentle grounding, guided meditation, journaling and creative visioning, create a personalized vision board focused on how you want to feel, grow and move forward. All supplies provided. $45. Soapy Roads Makery Bar, 10 W St Charles St, Lombard. SoapyRoads.us
Wednesday, February 18
Ash Wednesday (Christianity)
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See Feb 4 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
ONLINE: Glyphosate, Engineered Food and Your Health – 6:30-7:30pm. Having taken into account the large amount of scientific evidence that shows how synthetic pesticides can be hazardous to human health and the environment, Dr. Vrain is sounding the warning about the multiple dangers associated with pesticide use in crop production and domestic applications. Free. Zoom. GoGreenIllinois.org
Twilight Community Reiki – 7pm. With Andrea. Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge. 847-696-7560. AshWillowSalon.com/thenest
Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in
Free Community Education Series with Rose: Mary Magdalene – 7-8:30pm. Rose offers insight into Mary Magdalene’s life, legacy and the personal calling that guides her to work with Mary’s energy in reiki healing. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Thursday, February 19
Feed Your Soul Gestalt Group – 7-9:30pm. 3rd Thurs thru Nov 19. Share joys and disappointments in a safe environment without judgment. As the horses support you through the process, participants experience the life changing, deep healing of Gestalt therapy. $55. Soulful Prairies, 4706 Alden Rd, Woodstock. 847-366-6743. SoulfulPrairies.com
Friday, February 20
10-Day Self-Inquiry & Meditation Retreat: Seeing Through the Solidity of Thoughts – Feb 20-Mar 2. This retreat holds a dedicated space for a deep and introspective immersion into life below the surface and into a mind-body significantly more subtle than form. Vajra Vidya Retreat Center, 3203 Camino Baca Grande, Crestone, CO. CaminoWellnessCenter.com
Integrative Abdominal Massage – Feb 20 & 27. 9am-4pm. With nearly 20 years of experience, and training in many abdominal massage modalities from Chi Nei Tsang to Visceral Manipulation, Sarah will inspire you with her love of abdominal massage while weaving in knowledge from her many teachers. 12 CEs. $360. Evanston Health Collective, 1609 Sherman Ave, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
Adult Lecture Series: Snakes – 6-7pm. We’ll start with a general overview of what makes snakes unique. Then we’ll go over common species in the area, sharing quirks of their personalities. The grand finale will include meeting Ramen, our very own resident snake ambassador. Free. Hidden Oaks Preserve, 475 Trout Farm Rd, Bolingbrook. Register by Feb 18: 815-722-4121 or ReconnectWithNature.org
Reflexology For Feet, Hands, Face –6-9pm. Anna Para, licensed reflexologist, provides this popular hands-on therapy by massaging pressure points on the feet, hands and face. Reflexology for the face requires a 60-min session. $45/30mins, $80/60-mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Saturday, February 21
Bonsai Silhouette Show – Feb 21-22. 9am4pm. Presented by the Prairie State Bonsai Society, offers a rare look at deciduous and coniferous bonsai trees in winter, highlighting their intricate branch structures. Also features a display of trees in training, showcasing the art of bonsai cultivation. Free with admission. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. MortonArb.org
Sunday, February 22
Reiki II – 9am-4pm. In this sacred and transformative 1-day immersion, receive the next level of reiki attunement, be introduced to the sacred symbols, and learn how to facilitate distance healing. With Reiki Master Teacher Tina Santana. $180. The Agape House, 416 E Roosevelt Rd, Ste 107, Wheaton. 630-294-5225. TheAgapeHouseHealing.com
Shine Bright Winter Art Show Special Opening – 2-4pm. Exhibit runs Feb 15-Mar 15. Several participating artists will be present and select artworks will be available for purchase throughout the exhibition period. 841 W Sheridan Rd, Chicago. 773-537-5317. ShineBrightInLife.com
Monday, February 23
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Tuesday, February 24
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Wednesday, February 25
Bedazzled: DGC Sprouts February Meeting – 6-7pm. Bring your creativity and help us prepare items for the local craft fair to fundraise for DGC Sprouts. Bring any craft projects and supplies that you want help to make or make one of the crafts we have ready to create. Free. Woodridge Public Library, Mahlke Room, 3 Plaza Dr, Woodridge. DarienGardenClub.com
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See Feb 4 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Thursday, February 26
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Friday, February 27
World Polar Bear Day
Gua Sha Class – 10am-5pm. A rubbing technique applied to the surface of the skin with a smooth tool resulting in drawing out stagnation and stimulating the connective tissues. Class reviews the benefits and different procedures, as well as protocol for treating a variety of diseases. 6 CEs. $180. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
Nighttime Walking Meditation – 5:307pm. Enjoy a guided meditative walk after dark. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. MortonArb.org
Breathe & Be: Guided Meditation + Breathwork Journey – 7-8pm. Theme: Kindle the Heart. Step into an evening of calm, connection and gentle restoration. This guided experience invites you to soften, slow down and gently warm your inner landscape. With Tina Santana and Kristen Rosenberg. $30. The Agape House, 416 E Roosevelt Rd, Ste 107, Wheaton. 630-294-5225. TheAgapeHouseHealing.com
Harmonic Immersion – 7-8:30pm. With Andre. A deeply immersive sound experience designed to quiet the mind, recalibrate the nervous system and restore energetic balance. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Saturday, February 28
Beginning Birdwatching – 9am-12pm. Learn how to find and identify birds in this beginner’s birding workshop. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. MortonArb.org
Round Robin Reiki – 9am-3:30pm. A day of deep healing with multiple gifted practitioners, each bringing unique modalities to elevate your healing journey. For one special price of $100, experience a total 80-min session (20 mins with 4 Reiki Masters). 12 appts available. The Agape House, 416 E Roosevelt Rd, Ste 107, Wheaton. 630-294-5225. TheAgapeHouseHealing.com
Urban Farming – 12:30-3pm. Join us for a Seed Starting 101 with local farmer, Dulce Margarita Morales or Cedillo’s Fresh Produce. Plant Chicago, 4459 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago. PlantChicago.org
Chair Massage or Thai Massage – 2-5pm. Chair massage is a convenient, fully clothed massage performed in a specially designed chair that supports your body comfortably. Experience the healing power of Thai massage, a unique blend of stretching, acupressure and rhythmic movement. With Amber Gillogly. $40. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Hawaiian Elemental Healings – 2-5pm. As a recognized Kahu O Mana (Keeper of the Sacred Knowledge of Kahuna Haha), Barbara Petersen works with the elemental qualities of Fire, Water, Air, Earth and Mana that are directed to the physical, energetic, and spiritual bodies. During this 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. $45/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
The Angels Are Ready. Are You? – 2-5pm. An angel reading with Lin Boffeli will provide angelic guidance on your questions as well as in matters of the heart. May choose an angel reading or an astrology reading as Lin is a professional astrologer. $45/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Numerology Class – 3-4:30pm. Learn how numbers reveal patterns, cycles and insight into who you are and where you’re going. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Saturday, March 7
Spring Gardening Inspiration: Wild and Wonderful Gardening 8am-2pm
Includes gardening tips and techniques for creating enchanting outdoor sanctuaries, a provided lunch and a raffle featuring creative gift baskets. Offers a strong lineup of speakers and is open to gardeners of all experience levels. Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café & Chateau Orleans Banquets, 8025 S Cass Ave, Darien DarienGardenClub.com
Body Mind Spirit Expo Weekend March 7-8 10am-7pm, Sat; 10am-6pm, Sun
Explore some of the nation’s finest psychics and mediums and the best in alternative and natural health, wellness tools, products and resources, expand their insights and take in learning sessions and presentations featuring psychics, experts and holistic practitioners at the top of their fields. $14. Midwest Conference Center 401 W Lake St, Chicago (Northlake). BMSE.net
Saturday, March 14
Wellness Trends’ argi Zdrowego Stylu Zycia Mar 14-15 10am-5pm.
Expo features lectures, hands-on workshops, and the latest trends in natural health, holistic therapies and sustainable living.
Imli Conference Center at Wyndham Garden, 1725 E Algonquin Rd, Schaumburg 773-339-2928 Facebook.com/TargiZdrowia2022
Sunday, April 12
Sol y Luna Immersion: A Costa Rica Retreat – Apr 12-19 Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge 847-696-7560
AshWillowSalon.com/thenest
Saturday, April 18
Exploring the Science of Consciousness, Mystical Experiences and Psi Phenomena 9am-6pm
Join in-person or online for a deep dive into the nature and implications of mystical and psi phenomena, including psilocybin-facilitated states, near-death and out-of-body experiences and children’s past-life memories. $80/online, $110/in-person.
Theosophical Society 1926 N Main St, Wheaton. Theosophical.org/psi
Sunday, October 11
Vaishno Devi/Shakti Peetham Pilgrimage – Oct 11-20
A 10-day small-group experience for those drawn to sacred travel, devotion and inner transformation. Traveling from Delhi to Katra, visit several revered temples along the route and receive darshan, culminating in the powerful pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi. $3,900. For more info, Casey: 484-509-5073 x 1 or KulaKamalaFoundation.org
SEED SWAPS
Saturday, February 7
Annual Seed Exchange – 10am-2pm
Inclement weather date: Feb 14.
White Oak Library, Lockport Branch 121 E 8th St, Lockport. WillCountyCare.org/care-seed-exchange
The Great Seed (and Soil!) Event 10am-2pm Free admission.
MCC Cafeteria, McHenry County College 8900 U.S. 14, Crystal Lake 815-479-7563
Tinyurl.com/GreatSeed2026
Saturday, February 14
Seed Swap – 11am-12:30pm Park District of Franklin Park. Community Center, 9560 Franklin Ave, Franklin Park FPParks.org/event/seed-swap-2
Saturday, February 21
Seed Swap with Sustain DuPage – 1-3pm Wheaton Public Library, Meeting Room A, 225 N Cross St, Wheaton WheatonLibrary.org
Swallow Cliff Woods – North Pavilion, Calumet Sag Rd/Rte 83 (Near Palos Park) FPDCC.com/event/conservationhomeseed-swap-plant-exchange
Saturday, March 7
Extension Master Gardener Seed Expo at CLC – 10am-2pm College of Lake County 19351 W Washington St, Grayslake Facebook.com/events/153430216779839
Sunday, March 8
DGC/IPPL
Seed & Houseplant Exchange 1:30-3:30pm
Indian Prairie Public Library, Keshav Sanghani Meeting Room, 2nd Fl, 401 Plainfield Rd, Darien DarienGardenClub.com
Ongoing Events
Daily
1:1 Private Yoga Tune Up Instruction –Roll Model Method, Mental Performance and Functional Movement Screening. Virtual or In-Person (Wheaton or Chicago). JulieMackey.com.
Wild Onion Market Co-op – 8am-8:30pm. Offering fresh, local and sustainably sourced food 7 days a week. Wild Onion Market, 7007 N Clark St, Chicago. WildOnionMarket.com
Healing Music Sessions – 1-6pm, Sat/Sun; 9am-6pm, Mon-Thurs. Life Rhythms helps those in assisted living homes, memory loss facilities and private residences participate in making and sharing music on an individual and group level 7 days a week. The 1-hr sessions, inclusive of all instruments, improve hand-eye coordination, stimulate cognitive abilities and promote wellness. LifeRhythmsInc.com.
Naturally Purifying and Supercharging Your Body Podcast – 7-7:45pm. Matthew Hazen is the owner of Human Consciousness Support, a company that produces a unique nutraceutical product called MasterPeace. Free. BuzzSprout.com/1206776/14236700
Sunday
Chicago Meditation Center of Self-Realization Fellowship Services – 9am, Energization Exercises; Kirtan held the 4th Sun, 9-10:40am; 9:30-10:40am, Yoga Meditation; 11am-12pm, Reading Service. 946 N Harlem Ave, River Forest. 708-366-0140. ChicagoMeditationCenter.org
Revive and Restore – 10am. With Dan Bulf. Burn Boot Camp Evanston, 9412 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. Tinyurl.com/y9avumwf
Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – 10-11:30am. Join us for weekly Kundalini Yoga classes to work your body, relieve your mind and uplift your spirit. Schedule: Mon & Wed, 9:30am; Sat: 6pm; Sun: 10am & 4:30pm. All levels. $21. Inspire Yoga & Wellness Center, 1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 208, Elk Grove Village. 312-593-4366. InspireYogaWellness.com
Rocio Sagrado at the Farmers Market+ at the Dole – Thru Apr 27. 10am-2pm. Truly handmade, 100% pure skincare, balms, deodorants, soaps, aromatherapeutic fragrances and roll-ons, and insect repellent made with plants and flowers from our garden. Farmers Market+ at the Dole Mansion, 400 Country Club Rd, Crystal. FarmersMarketAtTheDole.org
Musical Brunch – 11am-2pm. Also Sat. Featuring local talents. Madame Zuzu’s, 1876 1st St, Highland Park. Details: LifeRhythmsInc.com
5Rthyms Ecstatic Dance – 1-2:30pm. With Clay Henley. A dynamic practice to both workout and meditate in the same breath. Class pass or $30/drop-in. Heaven Meets Earth, 2746 Central St, Evanston. 847-475-1500. HeavenMeetsEarthYoga.com
Hot Power – 3pm. With Dan Bulf. CorePower Yoga Winnetka, 850 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka. Tinyurl.com/zrx62jbd
Live Music at The Fat Shallot – 3-6pm. $10 suggested donation. The Fat Shallot, 2902 Central St, Evanston. LifeRhythmsInc.com
C1 Foundations – 4:30pm. With Dan Bulf. CorePower Yoga Winnetka, 850 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka. Tinyurl.com/zrx62jbd
Monday
Community Yoga – 7pm. With Mary Lou. Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge. 847-696-7560. AshWillowSalon.com/thenest
Open-Level Yoga – 7:30-9pm. With Agnieszka Poniedzialki. In Polish and English. $20. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com
ONLINE: Ascension Tribe Weekly Monday Night Energy Tune-Up – 8pm. Zoom. Register for free: TryAscensionTribe.com.
Tuesday
Rocio Sagrado at the Woodstock Farmers Market – 8am-1pm. Truly handmade, 100% pure skincare, balms, deodorants, soaps, aromatherpeutic fragrances and roll-ons, and insect repellent made with plants and flowers from our garden. Woodstock Farmers Market, 112 S Benton St, Woodstock. WoodstockFarmersMarket.org
Cultivating Guts Podcast: New Episode Release – 9am. Tiffany Hinton’s podcast where we discuss gardening, homesteading, gut health, following our intuition, herbalism and functional medicine to create a life of joy and beauty. Listen on Spotify, YouTube and iTunes. Free. Tinyurl.com/CultivatingG
Tummy Whisperer Podcast – 1:30pm. With Renee Barasch. Listeners can hear her speak live on Apple, Spotify and Facebook, or listen to the podcast at any time. Episode 1, “The Importance of Gut Health: Exploring the World of Digestive Wellness,” is available for 24/7 streaming. For more info: 847-207-2034 or DigestiveHealthSolutions.com
Mobility and Mental Performance for Athletes – 5pm. Also Thurs. With Julie Mackey. Major Sports Performance, 929 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton. Register: MajorSportsIL.com/recovery
Dinner With the Doctors: Health Classes – 6:30-7:30pm. 2nd & 4th Tues. New to our practice and wanting to see if we are the right fit? Returning patient wanting to understand more deeply what you’ve been experiencing? Enjoy demonstrations and time for Q+A with the docs to learn and experience how they work. Free dinner provided; RSVP required in order for food to be prepared. Free. Be Optimal Holistic Health Center, 5225 Old Orchard Rd, Ste 31, Skokie. 847-486-8000. BeOptimal.com
Group Silent Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm & 7:35-8:35pm. Silent group meditation in a quiet, secular space that welcomes all walks of life. The center is our labor of love and your presence is deeply appreciated as we share an hour of silence together. Optional donation. Camino Wellness Center, 401 S Milwaukee Ave, Ste 230, Wheeling. 224-300-0499. CaminoWellnessCenter. com
Community Meditation – 7-8pm. Doors close at 7:05pm. Different topics each week. Facilitator changes weekly. Walk-ins welcome. Love donation. Sacred Ground, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 847749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Monthly Women’s Circle – 7:30-9pm. 1st Tues. A monthly gathering to celebrate the Sacred Feminine, to unite in sisterhood and community. We create a safe circle of compassion, healing and joy. Where we open our hearts to life and one another, share anything that needs to be shared, provide generous listening to our sisters, meditate, sing, dance, and create community and friendships. Free; graciously accepting donations. RSVP preferred but not required. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-430-3115. nshealing.com
Wednesday
Farm on Ogden Market – 11am-5pm. WedSat. Indoor year-round market. 3555 W Ogden Ave, Chicago. ChicagoBotanic.org/ UrbanAgriculture/farm_on_ogden
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. Yoga for men, all levels welcome. Explore increased flexibility and movement, reduced stress, improved breathing, find your calm and your center. Mats provided. $20. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Open-Level Yoga – 7-8:15pm. With Gosia. $22. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com.
Thursday
What Do You Like to Eat? – 8am-5pm. Persons who live in Chicagoland, ages 20 - 79 years who can be counted as members of 13 cultural communities, are asked to meet with a researcher for both a 1-to1 interview and a survey on what they like to eat. The researcher will meet you in your community. Total time will not exceed one hour. Free. For details, Carey: PayneWellnessCenter.abmp.com
Shiatsu Student Clinic – 9:30 & 10am. At our popular Advanced Student Clinic, clients can receive a 45-min session from an advanced Zen Shiatsu student. Sessions are performed in a group setting with instructor observation. Availability limited; call for appointments. Sessions must be paid in advance. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsu.edu
Mobility and Mental Performance for Athletes – 5pm. With Julie Mackey. Major Sports Performance, 929 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton. Register: MajorSportsIL.com/recovery
Hot Power – 5:30pm. With Dan Bulf. CorePower Yoga Winnetka, 850 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka. Tinyurl.com/zrx62jbd
Community Healing Circle – 6pm. All welcome. Opens with a heart resonance meditation followed by reading each intention aloud while others practice focused silence. Closes with a restorative exercise to release, regenerate and renew. Free. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com
Guided Self-Inquiry – 6-7:30pm. Through guided prompts and open discussions, each session invites participants to pause, reflect on their inner landscape and ask meaningful questions that enhance emotional intelligence and the understanding of meditation. Suggested donation: $20$30. Camino Wellness Center, 401 S Milwaukee Ave, Ste 230, Wheeling. 224-300-0499. CaminoWellnessCenter.com
CoreRestore – 7pm. With Dan Bulf. CorePower Yoga Winnetka, 850 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka. Tinyurl.com/zrx62jbd
Group Silent Meditation – 7:30-8:30pm. Silent group meditation in a quiet, secular space that welcomes all walks of life. The center is our labor of love and your presence is deeply appreciated as we share an hour of silence together. Optional donation. Camino Wellness Center, 401 S Milwaukee Ave, Ste 230, Wheeling. 224-300-0499. CaminoWellnessCenter.com
Friday
AstroAshtanga – 8-9:15am. Do you love strength, stretching and astrology? Try this strong physical and energetic practice. $25. Kaizen House, 1321 Emerson St, Evanston. KaizenHouse.org
Ravinia Indoor Farmers Market: Braeside – Thru Apr 24. 10:30-2:30pm. Local farmers, food producers, bakers and artisan makers. Braeside Market, 55 St Johns Ave, Highland Park. RaviniaFarmersMarket.com
Reiki Sessions – 11am-2pm. With Rose. Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge. 847696-7560. AshWillowSalon.com/thenest
Egyptian Energy Forms: A Qigong Practice – Thru Feb 27. 7-8pm. With Lino Brescia. Egyptian Energy Forms are very powerful. Each form and movement creates a specific structure of energy that facilitates physiological and spiritual improvements. $25/ drop-in. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.
Saturday
Rise and Radiant Vinyasa Flow – 8am. With Dan Bulf. Heaven Meets Earth, 2746 Central St, Evanston. 847-475-1500. HeavenMeetsEarthYoga.com.
Green City Market: Avondale – 8am-1pm. Thru Mar 21. 3031 N Rockwell St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org
Ravinia Indoor Farmers Market: Wayfarer Theaters – Thru Apr 25. 10:30-2:30pm. Local farmers, food producers, bakers and artisan makers. Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 Second St, Highland Park. RaviniaFarmersMarket.com.
Classifieds
Classifieds can help you sell goods and services and even attract employees for your business.
YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds
Akashic Consultation
AKASHIC RECORD READING – Open the record of your soul’s journey to find information to support you in your life right now, heal your past and help you into your future. Heal. Grow. Investigate. Find direction. Lin Ewing: 847-609-0034. AstrologicalDetails.com
For Hire
HIRING MASSAGE THERAPIST OR ROOM FOR RENT – Northbrook holistic chiropractic office seeks compassionate professional eager to learn new modalities. Flexible options. More info: Office@ HealthClarifiedNow.com
For Rent/ Space Available
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT ROOM – Inviting licensed acupuncturists! Treatment room available for part-time or full-time use. Perfect for growing your practice. More info: Office@HealthClarifiedNow. com
Help Wanted
YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds
Services
YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds
Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Peggy@NAChicago.com to request our media kit. Community Resource Guide
Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine
CALANDRA CENTER FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS
Teri Calandra, MSTOM, Dipl Acu, LAc, LMT, RMT 830 E. Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg 312-796-3965
Facebook @CalandraAcuChi CalandraAcupuncture.com
We believe that when someone has the tools to help themselves that the possibilities are endless. Offering acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal medicine, NAET allergy elimination, reiki, Access Consciousness, and a variety of wellness educational classes. Teri specializes in gynecological disorders, infertility, menopausal syndrome, musculoskeletal dysfunctions, allergies, respiratory disorders, digestive disorders, thyroid disorders.
NIRVANA ACUPUNCTURE AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Lana Moshkovich, LAc, ND, MSOM 707 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 125, Deerfield 60015
847-715-9044
NirvanaNaturopathics.com
We specialize in resolving chronic pain including Fibromyalgia and Peripheral Neuropathy; severe chronic allergies for adults and children; fertility; autoimmune conditions; anxiety/depression; cosmetic acupuncture (anti-aging). To learn more about our clinic you can follow us on our YouTube channel: Dr.Lana@Nirvana AIM and Instagram: @nirvanaacu. Major insurance carriers accepted. Call 847-715-9044 to schedule your consultation so we can help you feel your best!
To keep a warm heart in winter is the real victory.
—Marty Rubin
Animal Communication
ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR
CAROL SCHULTZ
815-531-2850
Carol@CarolSchultz.com
CarolSchultz.com
Animal communications and intuitive healing for over 25 yrs. Carol provides compassionate and insightful consultations along with creator-based energy balancing for all animal species. Assistance with emotional, behavioral, health, harmony, end-of-life, grief support and connections with animals in spirit. Professional phone sessions, barn visits and special events. Optional MP3 recordings. Gift certificates. Lectures, Basic/Advanced workshops.
Bodywork
ZEN SHIATSU CHICAGO
825 Chicago Ave, Evanston 60202
847-864-1130
ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
You’ll feel the stress melt away like the snow in spring through our relaxation-focused shiatsu massage practice, which offers the same energizing benefits as acupuncture combined with the restorative power of yoga poses. Dress in cozy threads, shiatsu is performed on fully clothed clients. Professional and student therapists available. See ad on back cover.
Coaching & Counseling
BELIEF REDESIGN
Rebecca J. Robbins, PhD Info@BeliefRedesign.com BeliefRedesign.com
Rebecca J. Robbins, PhD, helps clients move beyond anxiety, stress and emotional reactivity by working with how the mind actually changes. Her approach supports deep, lasting shifts rather than surface fixes, helping people feel more grounded, resilient and at ease in daily life.
Colon Hydrotherapy
MIDWEST CLEANSE
5962 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago 60659
773-728-6800
MidwestCleanse.com
Colon Hydrotherapy is a safe and comfortable method of gently cleansing the colon. Our highly trained, certified therapists are focused exclusively on your care throughout your session. As Chicagoland’s leader in Colon Hydrotherapy, we provide professional service, personalized support, and the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation. We are open daily to best serve our community. Se habla español See ad on page 43.
Community & Practitioner Communities
AWAKE: ONENESS TRIBE
Suburban Chicagoland
AwakeOnenessTribe.org
A nonprofit hub where seekers in the local community can come together, be heard, be seen, and be valued. AWAKE is a place where people can communicate freely, without fear of judgment, and participate in events to improve all aspects of health: physical, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual. AWAKE acknowledges the value of being part of an open-minded community of people who are eager to learn and grow together.
CRUNCHY CULTURE
Jane Ulitskaya
Jane@CrunchyCulture.com
CrunchyCulture.com
@CrunchyCultureCHI
Created by a Chicagoland mom, Crunchy Culture is a local community built around natural living and holistic wellness. Guided by a mission to help folks make meaningful connections, Crunchy Culture hosts in-person events throughout the Chicago area and has a network of local businesses and partners that align with the group’s interests.
Dance
TIME TO DANCE
@ North Shore School of Dance 505 Laurel Ave., Highland Park 847-432-2060
Time-To-Dance.org
Discover the healing art of dance, Ballet, modern and tap for adults 50+.
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 31.
Education
CONCORDIA
UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN
School of Pharmacy
CUW.edu/NPS
Take the next step toward a career that makes a difference! Discover your future in Natural Product Sciences with our flexible graduate programs. Choose from a 30-credit online master’s degree or a 12-credit graduate certificate, both designed to fit your life and goals. Specialize in medical cannabis or nutraceuticals, and prepare for exciting roles in healthcare, pharmacy, research and development, manufacturing, business and beyond. See ad on page 33.
Energy, Reiki & Sound Healing
HARMONIC
EGG-NAPERVILLE
1801 N Mill St, Ste L, Naperville 60563 630-780-0193
HarmonicEgg-Naperville.com
Visit our center to experience the patented Harmonic Egg—a relaxing, non-invasive therapy using light and sound to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and calm your nervous system. Clients report better sleep, less stress and improved healing. Also available: state-of-the-art Hyperbaric Oxygen chamber. Use promo code NATURALAWAKENINGS20 to save 20% off services for Harmonic Egg. See ad on page 26.
JOANN LYSIAK, ENERGY SPECIALIST
Joann Lysiak Gems
847-596-0274
Joann@JoannLysiakGems.com
JoannLysiakGems.com
Visit the online store for high vibration gemstones and handcrafted jewelry with intention. Benefit from the gemstone energy properties to attract love, abun-dance or protect your energy from EMFs. Let me intuitively find the perfect gemstones for your needs or fine tune your energy to thrive.
Equine Gestalt Therapy
SOULFUL PRAIRIES
Linda Bruce 4706 Alden Rd, Woodstock 60098 847-366-6743
SoulfulPrairies.com
Soulful Prairies uses the powerful experiential model of Equine Gestalt Therapy to help individuals move through trauma and emotional wounds. We host events and retreats on our 80-acre farm; you can also rent and create your own | 1:1 Sessions | Couples | Team Building | Retreats | Healing Events | Facility Rental | Overnight Accommodation.
Functional Medicine
DR. ALLA ARUTCHEVA, MD, PHD, ND Antalee Wellness 1352 Patriot Blvd, Glenview 60026 847-486-1130 • AntaleeHolistic.com
If you are seeking integrative and natural approach to your whole-body health, Dr. Arutcheva will use her extensive knowledge, training and experience to work with you to create a personalized plan to prevent and overcome illness based on her strategy of health screening tests, state-of-the-art technology and the best natural supplements. These methods accelerate your ways to optimum health and prevent the development of serious chronic diseases.
The heart says what only the heart knows.
—Lou Reed
Garden and Native Plant Resources
POSSIBILITY PLACE NURSERY
7548 W Monee-Manhattan Rd, Monee 60449
708-534-3988
PossibilityPlace.com
Environmentally focused. Ecologically minded. Possibility Place Nursery has been Chicagoland’s native plant purveyor since 1983. We specialize in growing native plants from locally sourced ecotypes to increase biodiversity and improve ecological function of vast wild areas to small urban backyards, alike. We look forward to building habitat with you.
Healthy Home Inspection & Construction
HOLISTIC DWELLINGS, LLC
Making Your Home a Sanctuary For Healing
John Lack: Certified Building Biologist, Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist, Environmental Consultant
HolisticDwellingsLLC.com
Your home’s environment has a dramatic effect on your health. Electro-magnetic radiation, mold, geopathic stress, ion balance, VOCs, all affect the human body at the cellular level. Nature is the gold standard in which a healthy human-built indoor environment must be measured. Holistic Dwellings; EMF Assessment & Mitigation/New Build Consultant.
Holistic & Airway Dentistry
THE CENTER FOR DENTAL HEALING
Dr. Alla Aver, DDS & Dr. Irina Ganzman, DMD 2400 Ravine Way, Ste 400, Glenview 60025
847-998-5100
GlenviewSmiles.com
Our office uses whole-body, preventive dental care. We utilize non-fluoridated ozonated water, herbal periodontal treatments, and gluten-free herbal paste. We offer: safe amalgam removal; BPA-free fillings and sealants; non-metal crowns; sleep apnea and TMJ appliances; ozone therapy; microscopic plaque analysis; material reactivity testing kits; and non-acrylic night guards and partials.
ESSENTIALLY PURE DENTAL
Dr. Andie Pearson
1535 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 108, Northbrook
847-977-1655; text: 773-456-8632
EssentiallyPureDental.com
Holistic dentistry involves an awareness of care that relates to the entire person. Essentially Pure is a full-service practice using the most biocompatible dental options. Our services range from nonsurgical gum care to mercury-and-PBA-free restorations, crowns, bridges, partial and full dentures, children’s dentistry, braces, implants, dental homeopathy, and CranioSacral Therapy. See ad on page 43.
INTEGRATIVE DENTAL HEALTH
87 S McLean Blvd, South Elgin 60177 847-888-9109 | IDH4U.com
Offering the highest quality holistic dental care possible for total body health. From biocompatible materials, to eliminating disease in the mouth and improving sleep quality, you can expect more than just a dental office. As Safe Cutting-Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (S.M.A.R.T.) certified providers, we use the strictest protocols to protect you from the neurotoxic effects of mercury fillings.
K. BOEHM, DDS,
& ASSOCIATES
1585 N Barrington Rd, Ste 106, Hoffman Estates 60069 847-884-1220
1440 Maple Ave, Ste 2A, Lisle 60532 630-810-1280 | KBoehmDDS.com
Offering state-of-the-art holistic dental care in a relaxed environment, Dr. Boehm and his staff are ready to meet all your dental needs in either of his two locations. Bio-compatible materials and an extensive knowledge of the correlation between oral and overall health are his specialties. Services include safe mercury removal, electrodermal screening for materials compatibility and tooth viability, crowns, bridges, dentures, zirconia implants, homeopathy, cranial osteopathy, orthodontics, ozone therapy, CT/3D imaging, and laser treatment for both gum disease and decay.
SIMONA BAREKET, DDS
HP SMILES DENTAL
489 Laurel Ave, Highland Park 60035 847-432-6501
HPSmilesDental.com
We are a holistic dental team focused on whole-person wellness rather than just your teeth. Dr. Simona works with empathy, care and a gentle touch. Services include cleanings and comprehensive exams, material biocompatibility testing, safe amalgam removal, ozone therapy, BPA-free restorations and non-metal crowns and implants.
WRIGLEYVILLE DENTAL
3256 N Ashland, Chicago 60657 773-975-6666 • WrigleyvilleDental.com
Chicago’s premier biological holistic dentists. Offering the latest technology, we provide ozone, lasers, same-daycrowns and BPA/fluoride-free nontoxic products. Several dentists on staff with unique specialties provide safe amalgam removal, PRF facials, orthodontics, TMJ, sleep/airway, children’s dentistry and countless other treatments. One home for all your dental needs. Free garage parking.
Rediscover the person beneath the noise. Working with you, I integrate depth psychotherapy and evidenced-based wellness practices to help you build a better relationship with yourself, liberate yourself from unconscious limitations and create a more meaningful life. Together, we get curious about what it looks like to engage life with authenticity and clarity.
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
Integrative Wellness Center
COPPER WELLNESS
1654 W North Ave, Chicago 60622 872-267-1717
Hello@CopperWells.com
CopperWells.com
Copper Wellness is an integrative clinic in Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhoods offering acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy and more. Our collaborative team provides professional holistic care with a warm, neighborhood vibe—helping patients feel supported while enjoying the journey of healing.
HEALTH CLARIFIED
Dr. Kimberly Henderson, DC 2165A Shermer Rd, Northbrook 60062 224-344-8668
HealthClarified.com
We take wellness to a deep level by combining alternative medicine modalities aimed at removing the obstacles that get in the way of your body's ability to heal. Therapies include red light, SoftWave and BrainTap; plus comprehensive bodywork and exercises, functional medicine, HBOT, Lymphatic Enhancement, EWOT, PEMF, footbaths, holistic skincare treatments and Synchronicity Wave System. See ads on pages 9, 15, 23 and 37.
Intuitive Coaching
OUTRAGEOUS LIBERATION
Danya Levinsohn 224-255-5369
Danya@OutrageousLiberation.com
OutrageousLiberation.com
Are you ready for transformation? The energy shifts are rapidly advancing. Let me assist you in discovering your true authentic self. I provide Intuitive Empowerment Coaching sessions for individuals wanting change and growth or experiencing challenges as a spiritual being having a human experience. Are you ready to live your best life right now? Also offering home/business smudging and energy cleansing services.
Intuitive Consultation
HEATHER FAUN BASL
Intuitive, Medium & Healer
312-502-1539
Heather@HeatherFaunBasl.com
HeatherFaunBasl.com
Heather offers phone and text readings, mediumship and remote energy healing to help you find clarity, peace and direction. She bridges the spiritual and physical realms, offering connection, insight, support, healing and guidance tailored to your soul’s unique journey. 22 years of experience.
Lifelong Learning & Personal Growth
THE EDGAR CAYCE HOLISTIC CENTER AND BOOKSTORE
At Unity Northwest Church 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines 60016 847-299-6535
AREChicagoCenter@gmail.com
Full-service bookstore, Cayce remedies, spiritual growth study groups, monthly programs, workshops and holistic fairs, intuitive skills development training, knowledgeable seekers, intuitives, healers and more. Call for hours. See ad on page 12.
Meditation & Spiritual Centers
CHICAGO MEDITATION CENTER OF SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP
946 N Harlem Ave, River Forest 60305 ChicagoMeditationCenter.org/ srflessons.org
Experience the power of spiritual community. All are welcome to join weekly inspirational services with yoga meditation each Sunday. Paramahansa Yogananda (18931952) founded Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920 to make available the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millennia ago in India. See ad on page 44.
Medium, Psychic & Chakra
PSYCHIC MEDIUM NICOLE
The Heart Of A Goddess
Available for Virtual Sessions
TheHeartOfAGoddess.com
Nicole Pearson, Founder of The Heart Of A Goddess, is a certified Holy Fire® Reiki Master, Psychic Medium, Tarot Reader and Sound Healer—here to help other souls awaken, heal, and align with their soul's purpose. If you’re seeking guidance, healing or spiritual transformation—I invite you to book a session with me at TheHeartOfAGoddess.com
PSYCHIC READINGS GLENVIEW
2834 Golf Rd, Glenview 60025
847-470-0049
PsychicsReadingsGlenview.com
Discover the transformative power of psychic healing. In one session, Psychic Sarah can unlock your dormant healing energy and guide you towards a path of true rejuvenation and self-discovery. 30+ years’ experience in psychic, tarot and astrology readings, chakra balancing and spiritual counsel. New clients save 50% on first visit.
Men’s Health & Wellness
CHICAGO MALE CLINIC
Jerry Garcia, PA-C 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago 60646 773-414-9900 • ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Chicago Male Clinic (CMC) is a holistic health and wellness center for men providing a natural integrated approach to improving men’s sexual health. CMC offers therapeutic massage, exercise and stretch therapy, men’s yoga classes, patient coaches and trainers. CMC offers a natural approach to treating erectile difficulties (ED) with its Acoustic Wave Therapy. Call for your complimentary, in-person consultation (valued at $225). Book your first appointment at ChicagoMaleClinic.com See ad on page 27.
What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.
—John Steinbeck
Reflexology
JASMIN REFLEXOLOGY
773-979-5351
JJahal@hotmail.com
JasminReflexology.com
Reflexology is a wellness protocol that stimulates the nervous system by applying precise, alternating pressure to the feet or hands. It helps your body relieve stress, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, balance hormones and reduce chronic pain. Jasmin is nationally certified and a recognized educator. Call for a free consultation.
Skeletal Strengthening
OSTEOSTRONG
126 Skokie Rd, Wilmette 60091 224-487-8833
195 W Golf Rd, Schaumburg, 60195 224-487-8881
OsteoStrong.me
OsteoStrong is an Integrative Health and Wellness Center with a focus on musculoskeletal strengthening. The 4-device circuit takes only minutes once per week to complete. Under the direction of a skilled technician, users engage in a safe, controlled movement that results in a stimulus to the central nervous system, triggering osteogenesis or new bone growth. See ad on page 17.
Thermography
ILLINOIS THERMOGRAPHY
Map And Track Your Health! 50+ locations in the Chicago area 847-363-3314
IllinoisThermography.com
The highly sensitive thermal scan is crucial in prevention and early screening for breast and body health. Thermal imaging can show precursors to heart disease, vascular obstruction, lymphatic congestion, autoimmune disorders, skeletal dysfunction and neural dysfunction in anyone. Early detection and prevention are always less complicated than treatment. See ad on page 41.
Trauma Coach
CHANDI ASHA
Inner Light Healing
Hello@CoachingByChandi.com
CoachingByChandi.com
Break free from what once controlled you! At Inner Light Healing, we help you move from survival to self-trust through holistic trauma coaching. Using neuroscience, mindfulness, and compassion, Chandi guides you to heal your nervous system, release old patterns, and rediscover the peace that’s been within you all along.
Tree Care
BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS
Serving Chicagoland 877-227-8538
Bartlett.com
Expert tree care for 117 years and growing. Specializing in pruning, fertilization, cabling and bracing, insect and disease management, tree inspections, storm damage repair, lightning protection and removals. Visit our website to schedule your complimentary appointment with a Bartlett Arborist Representative. We’re here for every tree.
Yoga & Movement
FLEX/JULIE MACKEY
JuleMackey.com
Mental Skills. Yoga. Mobility. Meditation. 1:1 and Team Packages Virtual & In-Person.
