Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ October 2024

Celebrate Fall with a Flavorful and Fresh Roasted Vegetable Salad

Check out what’s available at your local farmers market as the weather cools. For something new, try roasting vegetables to bring out their natural flavor. Read More »

Celebrate Illinois Oaks at Wild Oaktober Community Event

The Darien Garden Club (DGC) will host its annual Wild Oaktober celebration from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on October 20 at the Indian Prairie Public Library, in Darien. Read More »

Dance: A Powerful Tool for Holistic Health and Longevity

Dance has long been celebrated for its ability to bring joy and social connection, but emerging research highlights its profound impact on holistic health. Read More »

Enrollment Now Open for Professional Reflexology School

The Chicago-based Professional Reflexology School is now enrolling students for its 300-hour reflexology certification course, set to begin in January 2025 and run through May. Early registration is recommended due to limited spots. Read More »

Explore Natural Healing at Holistic Fair in Arlington Heights

Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, in Arlington Heights, is hosting a Holistic Fair Open House from noon to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. on October 10 and 11, offering the community many ways to explore natural remedies and alternative healing practices. Read More »

Frightfully Fun Fall Evenings Await at Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns returns to the the Chicago Botanic Garden, in Glencoe, for 10 nights in advance of Halloween, offering a family-friendly display of more than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins lit with LED lights. Read More »

Health Clarified Targets Chronic Pain for Lasting Relief

Northbrook-based Health Clarified, founded by Kim Henderson, DC, offers relief for those that continue to struggle with pain despite seeing multiple specialists and still getting unsatisfying results. Henderson’s holistic approach combines chiropractic care with advanced bodywork modalities, targeting pain at its source for lasting recovery. Read More »

Integral Med Bridges the Best of Complementary and Traditional Medicine

Dimitrina Vizinas, doctor of osteopathy, was frequently exposed to both Western and Eastern Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches while growing up in Bulgaria. When Vizinas and her family moved to the United States when she was 16, she found that osteopathic family medicine emphasized the holistic approach to medicine with which she grew up. Read More »

Letter from the Publisher

October, already? It feels like we were just gearing up for summer, planting veggie seedlings, planning outdoor adventures and savoring extra daylight. Read More »

No Sugar Momma’s Chocolate Coconut Bliss Cookies Now Available

Locally based No Sugar Momma has introduced its new Chocolate Coconut Bliss cookies to store shelves starting this month. Read More »

Passion Grows an Orchard SunBerry Orchard & Pastures Opens for You-Pick Season

As a boy, Sergiy Bazylyuk grew up on his parents’ farm in Ukraine, grafting and growing apples for his family. Read More »

The Link Between Breast and Lymphatic Health: Essential Tips for Everyone

Breast health and a well-functioning lymphatic system go hand in hand for both men and women. The human body has an impressive way to cleanse itself naturally through the lymphatic system, which includes fluid, vessels, lymph nodes, the liver, spleen, skin and more. Read More »

Unlock The Past: Healing Karmic Patterns Through Astrology and Regression

The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center will present Healing Karmic Patterns Using Astrology and Past-Life Regression from 2 to 5 p.m., October 20 via Zoom. Read More »

Volunteers Celebrate 25 Years of Tracking Hawk Migration at Illinois Beach State Park

Hawk watching is a citizen science activity where volunteers track migratory raptors, such as hawks and eagles, to gather data on their migration patterns. Volunteers often observe migratory routes like mountain ridges, coastlines and land bridges, where raptors use natural updrafts to aid their flight. Read More »

Ways to Unlock Tension and Boost Flexibility with Self-Myofascial Release

Jill Miller, creator of the Yoga Tune Up methodology and Roll Model method, and author of Body by Breath, utilizes therapy balls to perform self-myofascial release (SMR) techniques. Read More »

Yoga Brief: Heaven Meets Earth Expands with New Evanston Studio

Evanston’s premier yoga studio, Heaven Meets Earth (HME), is thrilled to announce the opening of its second location, Beautiful the Breathing Space, located two doors east of the main studio at Central Street and Ewing Avenue. Read More »

Yoga Pose for Health - Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose)

Practicing the Extended Triangle Pose regularly can help improve physical strength, flexibility, balance and posture, while also providing a gentle stretch for the entire body. Read More »

Zen Shiatsu: A Holistic Path to Healing

Zen Shiatsu is a therapeutic practice rooted in ancient East Asian medical principles, offering a holistic approach to physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Unlike conventional massage or reiki, which focus primarily on physical manipulation or energy balancing, Shiatsu integrates both of these elements into a cohesive therapy that targets deeper layers of health and vitality. Read More »

The Rise of Bodywork Modalities: Integrating Innovative and Ancient Healing Arts

Wellness is evolving with over 180 bodywork modalities, like acupuncture and chiropractic care, now aiding in pain relief and health management. Read More »

Carol Orsborn on Growing Whole Instead of Old

Carol Orsborn redefines aging as a journey toward wholeness. In her book, Spiritual Aging, she explores aging as a path to purpose, acceptance, and love, challenging common misconceptions. Read More »

Sweet Nostalgia: Celebrating National Dessert Month

From ancient honeyed delights to modern favorites like chocolate chip cookies, desserts bring joy and nostalgia. Read More »

Lynn’s Pumpkin Cheese-Less Cake

This no-bake pumpkin cheese-less cake features a raw almond and date crust filled with a creamy blend of cashews, pumpkin puree, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Read More »

Apple Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

With its blend of sweet strawberries, tangy rhubarb, and crisp apples, this dessert offers a wholesome twist on a classic pie, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Read More »

Resurrecting From Life’s Darkest Hours

By surrendering to the process and seeking support from trusted mentors or loved ones, we can emerge reborn, with greater capacity for growth and resilience. Read More »

Fair-Trade Environmentalism: How Our Purchases Help Workers and the Planet

A GlobeScan study shows 41% of U.S. consumers choose products supporting social and environmental causes. Fair trade is growing as shoppers seek eco-friendly, ethical, and sustainable options. Read More »

Ergonomic Solutions at Work and Play: How Good Posture and Mindful Habits Prevent Injury

Whether at work or during recreation, taking steps to maintain proper body alignment and incorporating mobility exercises like yoga or Pilates can help reduce the risk of injury and promote long-term wellness. Read More »

The Case for Cloth Diapers: Saving Money and the Environment

Cloth diapers avoid harmful chemicals found in disposables, reduce landfill waste, and may ease potty training. Read More »

Financial Planning for Pet Illnesses: How Pet Insurance Can Help

Pet insurance offers peace of mind by covering unexpected emergencies and costly treatments, but only about 5.4 million U.S. pets are insured. Read More »

Forever Chemicals Linked to Metabolic Disease

A study linked early-life exposure to the chemical TCFD in mice to permanent gut microbiome changes and increased risk of metabolic diseases like obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Read More »

Toxic Metals Found in Tampons

A study in Environment International found all 16 tested metals, including lead and arsenic, in tampons from various brands. Read More »

New Blood Test for Alzheimer's Disease

A promising blood test developed by C2N Diagnostics can detect Alzheimer’s with 91% accuracy, significantly more reliable than current diagnostic methods. Read More »

Synthetic Protein May Slow Alzheimer’s Progression

Researchers discovered that the synthetic protein PHDP5 can slow cognitive decline in mice with Alzheimer’s by preventing tau from disrupting brain communication. Read More »

Evening Primrose May Ease Childbirth

A study in Complementary Medicine Research found that vaginal capsules of evening primrose oil may safely and effectively assist cervical ripening in low-risk, full-term pregnancies. Read More »

Ocean Noise Pollution

Increased shipping and climate change are contributing to higher levels of ocean noise, disrupting marine life. Read More »

Space Sailing

NASA’s solar sail system, powered by sunlight, could replace traditional propulsion, offering constant acceleration. Read More »

Scouts Save Life Mid-Flight

On a Southwest Airlines flight, scouts helped perform CPR for 40 minutes, aiding doctors and nurses to save a passenger’s life. Read More »

European Union Bans Mercury Dental Filings

Starting in 2025, the EU will ban mercury dental amalgams for all ages, citing health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. Read More »

Studying Animals From Space

In 2025, five small satellites will be launched to track animal movements and environmental data from space to improve understanding of migration and environmental impacts on wildlife. Read More »

Smashing Pumpkins: Turning Jack-O-Lanterns Into Compost

Hosting a pumpkin smash party is a fun way to divert pumpkins from landfills, turning them into valuable compost that enriches the soil and reduces environmental impact. Read More »

Local Yoga, Movement & Fitness News, Updates and More

“The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” - B.K.S. Iyengar Read More »