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.

Director, Art of Natural Healing

Alejandro Fernandez, L.Ac. MSOM, NMD, is the Director of Art of Natural Healing.  In this capacity, he serves as the main practitioner and oversees the practice’s daily operations and patient care.

Alejandro Fernandez

Additionally, Fernandez is doing extensive research in infertility, women’s issues and ADD/ADHD using acupuncture, herbs, NMT (Neuro Modulation Technique), Tuina, nutrition, counseling and the use of the latest infrared technology to diagnose health issues.

Fernandez holds a master of science in Oriental Medicine from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine, where he periodically was substituting as an instructor.  He also has a doctorate in Naturopathy from the American Naturopathic Medical Institute and completed an internship at the Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China.

Fernandez is a member of the Illinois State Acupuncture Association, NCCAOM, American Association of Oriental Medicine and the American Herbalist Guild.

His main purpose is to help as many people as possible through the use of Natural Medicine as well as educating the community in health issues.

Art of Natural Healing, a natural healthcare and education practice incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, was started in 2001 by Kelsey Fernandez, L.Ac. MSOM, NMD, and Alejandro Fernandez, L.Ac. MSOM, NMD.  Art of Natural Healing has assisted hundreds of patients with issues including, but not limited to, infertility, irritable bowel syndrome and digestive disorders, anxiety and stress related disorders, depression, and allergy and sinus problems.

The practice relocated from Chicago to its current location in River Forest in late 2002.

Dr. Linda Knowski, Tree  of Life Health Center

Dr. Knowski has a background in naprapathy, nutrition and chiropractic.

Upon receiving her degree from the Chicago National College of Naprapathy. Dr. Linda attended the National University of Health Sciences where she received her chiropractic degree.

Dr. Linda Knowski

Dr. Linda is an Illinois native but now calls Oak Park home and has for the past 12 years. During her early years in practice, she saw why chiropractic/naprapathic was the logical pathway for people to attain maximum health and wellness coupled with sound nutrition, positive mental attitude, and all the aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Through chiropractic, she was able to change many lives from the very young to the elderly.

Currently, Dr. Linda divides her time between enhancing the health of her patients and nurturing the lives of her two boys. She enjoys helping her patients attain new levels of health. She has seen chiropractic change the lives of thousands and looks forward to changing thousands more.

Michelle Donat

Michelle Donat is a Licensed Massage Therapist and stress resiliency coach.  Her mission is to create a place for stillness, allowing people to relax & feel their inner peace & serenity.

Michelle Donat

Her business is heart centered.  It provides a taste of serenity, bringing people to a greater place of peace in their life.  Clients appreciate her calm, positive energy.

Professional Memberships:
American Massage Therapy Association
OPRF Partners Chapter of BNI

Graduate:
Chicago School of Massage Therapy
Ohio State University

Pace Bus: #309, get off at Franklin or Park street. We are located between these two cross streets.  We are east of Thatcher and west of Lathrop on the south side of the street across from Lincoln Elementary school.

CTA Train: The closest line is the green line at the end of the line which is the stop “Harlem”.  Walk 1 block north to Lake Street. Go left or west about 6 blocks by walking or pick up the #309 bus at Harlem and Lake and get off at Park St. We will be on the left hand side across from Lincoln Elementary school.

Metra: From Chicago take the Metra to the River Forest stop and walk 1 block north to Lake Street.  Take a right onto Lake street and walk about 4 blocks.  We will be on the left hand side across from Lincoln Elementary school.