What do you get when you mix an acupuncturist, a chiropractor and a massage therapist?
On Tuesday, Oct. 13, it will be a holistic workshop called “The Secret to Symptom-Free Menopause.” Three holistic healthcare professionals will teach how women can slow the aging process as they reduce—and in some cases, prevent—menopausal symptoms.
The workshop is from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Art of Natural Healing, 7773 Lake St. in River Forest, across the street from Lincoln Elementary School.
The presenters are acupuncturist Alejandro Fernandez, director of Art of Natural Healing; Dr. Linda Knowski, a chiropractor and naprapath who is founder of Tree of Life Health Center, 6968 W. North Ave., Chicago; and Michelle Donat, a Licensed Massage Therapist and stress resiliency coach who operates Relaxation Plantation, 715 Lake St. in Oak Park.
In their respective practices, all emphasize the importance of drug-free, natural approaches to attaining and maintaining better health.
Menopause, or the end of menstruation that signals the end of women’s reproductive fertility, usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. For women approaching or in the midst of it, striving for optimal health is essential for various reasons, said Fernandez.
Alejandro Fernandez
Among other factors, he cited these:
• After menopause, the body converts one of the adrenal hormones into estrogen. Therefore, an evaluation of kidney and adrenal gland function is essential in hormone-related health problems.
• Too much tension and stress can cause organs to malfunction. An imbalanced organ system can impair hormonal balance.
• Women with low blood sugar can have dramatic shifts in mood, as well as vitamin and mineral levels, leading to a misdiagnosis as having hormonal problems. It’s crucial to clarify those situations.
• Nutrition and avoidance of specific chemicals in your food can significantly affect your hormones and your health.
In the workshop, Fernandez will discuss acupuncture treatments, herbal medicine and nutrition, following Chinese medicine principles that women should consider.
Knowski will discuss BioEnergetic Assessments, a non-invasive, computerized method of accessing the energy pathways of the body. The assessments enable a woman, in consultation with her practitioner, to determine appropriate treatments and remedies.
Dr. Linda Knowski
“Many women in menopause feel depressed and irritable. Others suffer from hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, and fatigue,” said Knowski. “I will outline alternative options for managing the symptoms and long-term risks associated with menopause.”
She will also discuss the endocrine system, a complex group of glands that, through hormones, helps to control reproduction, metabolism, growth and development. The system also controls the way you respond to surroundings and provides the proper amount of energy your body needs to function.
Michelle Donat
Since increased stress can intensify the annoying symptoms of menopause, Donat’s talk will focus on stress relief. She will share practical tools, allowing you to experience simple techniques you can use at home, to quickly rebound from stressful events.
“Many women turn to the healing and nurturing power of touch to help with their menopausal discomforts, ” she said. ”In addition to massage, popular options include, aromatherapy, accupressure, and energy balancing.”
The three are well acquainted with one another. Through their association with OPRF Partners, a chapter of Business Network International, the three have increasingly referred patients to one another as they have seen the complementary benefits that flow from that cooperative effort.
“`The Secret to Symptom-Free Menopause’ is a natural outgrowth of our collaborative effort these past few years,” said Knowski. “Alejandro, Michelle and I regularly exchange ideas and learn from each other’s insights and experience.”
“We have great confidence in one another’s ability to help people in ways that complement our individual areas of expertise,” Donat added.
The admission fee for the workshop is $25 and will be credited toward a visit with any one of the three holistic professionals. To register, call 708-366-8002.
For directions to Art of Natural Healing, click here.
For more background about the holistic professionals, click here.
