Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ February 2024

Ammonia-Free, Vegan Hair Lighteners Offered at Escape Eco Salon

Escape Eco Salon, in Northbrook, which takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to hair care, now carries three varieties of clean, ammonia-free, vegan hair lighteners by hair care product company O&M. Read More »

‘Beet’ the Winter Blues with These Oven-Roasted Beet Recipes

Embrace the season with the vibrant hues and nourishing benefits of oven-roasted beets. Loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, beets are nature's way of boosting your immunity, helping to maintain a healthy heart and keeping you energized through the winter months. These savory recipes will add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your table. Read More »

Chicago’s First Energy and Mind Spa Now Open

SolFlo uses a holistic approach to self-care that includes energy, sound, light, color, aromatherapy, herbal remedies and nature to create a peaceful urban oasis. Read More »

Evanston’s Therapists at 2002 Maple Welcomes New Practitioner

With 17 years of experience, Savage brings to her practice a deep respect for the transformative power of touch and, in providing the proper support, her clients’ innate ability to heal. Read More »

Flotstone Spa: New Ownership, Reopening Celebration, Special Offer and More

Flotation therapy can alleviate chronic pain, improve sleep quality, enhance creativity and foster a sense of overall well-being. Read More »

Free Life-Changing Resources Available for Download

Coach and transformational expert Avani Patel is offering a free guide—5 Steps to an Unstoppable 2024 for Driven Women—and a free “Empowered” masterclass, available for download on her website. Read More »

From Seed to Plate: Preparing a Backyard Vegetable Garden From Scratch

This month is the perfect time to begin preparing outdoor spaces, which includes starting seeds indoors. Read More »

Kegel Exercises for Men Help Erectile Difficulty

Kegel exercises are commonly recommended for both erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE), as they can help strengthen the muscles in the pelvic area including those that surround and support the genital area. Read More »

Kudos - Nana Okazaki Plotkin

Highland Park resident and Ravinia Business District merchant Nana Okazaki Plotkin, founder and owner of The Atelier, created a dress for the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards with designer Hogan McLaughlin for John Oliver’s Emmy Award-winning writer Ali Barthwell, who received an Emmy. Read More »

Letter from Publisher

Each February, I listen for the first songs of male cardinals as they start to establish their spring territory, waiting eagerly to hear the familiar notes of “birdie-birdie-birdie” on a sunny morning. Read More »

Life Rhythms Offering Healing Music Sessions in Chicago Area

Life Rhythms, based in Highland Park, is focused on helping those in assisted living homes, memory loss facilities and private residences participate in making and sharing music on an individual and group level. Read More »

Monthly Online Workshop Designed to Help Navigate Change

Transitions guide Sarah Karnes will lead Transitions with Grace, Mindfulness and Moxie monthly workshops via Zoom to help alleviate the disruption that naturally comes with all changes. Read More »

New Employees and Special Savings at Integrative Dental Health

For the month of February, they are offering 35 percent off of Thorne brand products. Read More »

New Reflexology School Offers Professional Training, Raises Industry Standards

Reflexology is a wellness protocol in complementary health care that stimulates the nervous system via the nerve endings in the hands and feet. Read More »

Services Now Available That Help Uncover Secret Life of Pets

The primary goal of each session is to better understand your pet from your pet’s point of view by honoring their wisdom, autonomy and truth. Read More »

The Link Between Digestive Health and Overall Health and Well-Being

Inflammatory issues can be driven by a poor diet. If you’re feeling pain, but the body has not experienced any trauma such as an accident or a fall, always look to the digestive tract as the first line of defense for chronic inflammation. Read More »

Winter Night Hikes Offer Unique Way to Commune With Nature

On cold winter’s night in February, instead of staying snuggled warm indoors watching television and playing computer games, chose to walk beneath the full moon. Read More »

Yin Yang Pilates & Yoga: Lake Zurich’s Only Boutique Pilates Studio

Yin Yang Pilates & Yoga, offers classes six days a week and specializes in small groups and one-on-one Pilates training. All of their yoga and mat classes are available virtually and participants receive a recording. Read More »

Oral Health Tips to Prevent Heart Disease: How Regular Trips to the Dentist Can Save a Life

Prevention measures can keep gum disease and sleep apnea from leading to cardiovascular consequences. Read More »

Mimi Guarneri on Treating the Heart With Love

Dr. Mimi Guarneri shares how a holistic view on heart health can have profound impacts on the patient. Read More »

Plant-Based Milk Alternatives: Benefits for People and the Planet

While plant-based milks have historically played second fiddle to other dairy alternatives, but not anymore. Touting sustainability benefits, a creamy texture and pleasing flavors, soy, oat, almond, cashew and even macadamia nut milks are having their moment. Read More »

No-Bake Pumpkin Dairy-Free Cheesecake

No-bake and dairy-free, now you can have your cheesecake and eat it too. Read More »

Chef AJ’s Caramel Blondies

This non-dairy treat incorporates sweet potato, oats, dates, shredded coconut and banana for a healthy twist. Read More »

Chef AJ’s Popeye’s Perfection

This non-dairy smoothie contains spinach to power your day. Read More »

The Magic of Hugs

Through the ages, various substances and lifestyle changes have been touted as panaceas, but even in our modern world there is one unexpected soul-elixir that might rival the others—the human hug. Read More »

Lowering Our Battery Footprint: A Look at Personal Strategies and Emerging Technologies

Americans buy and discard about 3 billion lithium-ion and alkaline batteries annually. While single-use batteries significantly tax the environment, advancements in production, lifespan and recycling can lead to a greener future. Read More »

Homeopathy for Athletes: Remedies to Address Common Sports Challenges

Accidents and injuries are bound to happen, and this is where homeopathy can shine. Some world-class athletes recognize that homeopathic medicines speed healing and get them back in training quickly, and without troublesome side effects. Read More »

Mindful Breathwork: Managing Stress and Heart Health

Stressors can lead to high blood pressure, inflammation and increased cardiovascular events. Breathwork is an effective mind-body practice to balance the nervous system and instill calm and contribute to maintaining homeostasis in the body. Read More »

Helping America’s Kids Eat Better: How Three Women are Leading the Movement

The foods and drinks kids consume have tremendous impact on their overall health. a healthy lifestyle from infancy to adulthood helps people maintain good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Read More »

Love on a Leash: Mutual Benefits of Walking the Dog

Dog walking can bring vitality and other benefits to those on both ends of the leash. Dogs offer a source of comfort and emotional support. In return, humans create a sense of security and happiness. Read More »

Drug May Improve Heart Health in the Obese

Semiglutide may be associated with heart health improvement, lowering risk of fatal and nonfatal heart attacks and strokes Read More »

Hemp Products May Be Harmful to Children

Some CBD products may concentrate the delta-8 THC in manufacturing to levels nearing the potency of marijuana-derived delta-9 THC. Read More »

Exercise is Good for Cholesterol

A new study has uncovered details as to why exercise is beneficial for heart health and blood lipid levels at any age. Read More »

Citrus for Heart Health

A common flavanone called hesperidin found in citrus fruit may help protect against heart disease. Read More »

New Sickle Cell Treatment Approved

The first gene editing treatment for Sickle Cell uses new technology to modify a gene involved in red blood cell shape and function. Read More »

Ammonia-Powered Engine

Engines powered by ammonia are said to be able to produce 161 horsepower with a 90 percent reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional fuels. Read More »

Extinct Mole Rediscovered

A blind mole thought to have been extinct since 1936 was found in the sand dunes of South Africa. Read More »

Climate Change Leads to More Rabid Bat Exposure

A recent study links climate change to the spread of bat-borne diseases. Read More »

Dots to Light Up Televisions and Tumors

Breakthroughs with quantum dots have opened up potential applications for various fields, including medicine and technology. Read More »

Respiratory Illness in Dogs Sweeps the Nation

A respiratory illness with an unknown cause is affecting dogs across the United States. Read More »

Growing Hydroponic Produce at Home

Hydroponics, a method of gardening that does not use soil, is a fun, easy and eco-friendly way to grow fresh produce all year round. Read More »

Great Seed Event Coming to McHenry County College

Attendees can pick up native plant, vegetable, herb and flower seeds at no cost to them; attend seed-related demonstrations every half hour; meet with various seed and supply vendors; and learn about gardening resources. Read More »