Balance Healing Center

Schedule for Green Metropolis Fair - 4/16

2011-04-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

Irish American Heritage Center

Saturday, April 16th, 10am-4pm
Irish American Heritage Center
4626 N. Knox, Chicago IL



10:00am: Fair Opens!
Access Table Sponsors & Marketplace Vendors all day: Shop, Educate, Enrich!
10:30am: Presentation by Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Location: 3rd floor, TheaterCommissioners Frank Avila, Patricia Horton, and Mariyana Spyropoulos will speak on water conservation, the proper disposal of pharmaceutical drugs, and toxic personal care products and cosmetics
11:15am: I-GO Car-Sharing DemoLocation: Outside South EntranceLearn how car-sharing works and see their plug-in Prius. Good for your budget! Good for the environment!
11:30am: Dirt! The MovieLocation: 1st Floor, Auditorium
12:00pm: Urban Chicken PanelLocation: Outside South EntranceJennifer Murtoff, Home to Roost Urban Chicken Consulting
12:00pm: Performance by I Ching QuartetLocation: 1st Floor, Fifth Province
12:50pm: Composting PanelLocation: 1st Floor, AuditoriumCathy Scratch, Feed Earth NowAmber Gribben, Urban Worm Girl
1:00pm: "How to Be a Superhero for Planet Earth"Location: 1st Floor, Fifth ProvinceAlix Gnoske, Author & Illustrator of Loui Saves the Earth
1:30pm: Green Homes 101 by U.S. Green Building Council Illinois ChapterLocation: 3rd Floor, TheaterGreen Homes 101 provides a basic understanding of what constitutes a green home, and helps current and potential homeowners begin to identify green elements and practices
2:00pm: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) PanelLocation: 2nd Floor, LibraryCleetus Friedman, City Provisions Meat CSAAlissa Wolbers, Irv & Shelly’s Fresh PicksRobin Schirmer, Tomato Mountain Farm
2:00pm: Vanishing of the Bees MovieLocation: 1st Floor, Auditorium
3:00pm: Urban Gardening PanelLocation: 2nd Floor, LibraryRamon Gonzales, a.k.a. "Mr. Brown Thumb"Cynthia Raskin, Recycle the RaindropsEmily Lake, Urban Habitat Chicago
3:30pm: Beekeeping PanelLocation: 1st Floor, AuditoriumCleetus Friedman, City ProvisionsHelen Cameron, Uncommon GroundJohn Hansen, Sweet BeginningsRichard McGinnis, Mindful Metropolis
4:00pm: Fair Ends

Bodywork Can Ease Adolescent Angst

2011-03-15T19:07:00.001-07:00

While teens may be less likely than their parents to go to a massage therapist, there are plenty of reasons why this age group should be encouraged to give it a try. The benefits of massage are well documented, among them relief of muscle tension, lowered stress hormones, increased sense of relaxation, improved immune function, and even a heightened ability to concentrate, according to studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine. But for teenagers, there's an additional payback. The teenage body is in the midst of transformation -- exponential growth and development in a rapid period of time. On the physical side, teens and pre-teens may be at increased risk for aches, pains, and injury. Many teens strain their bodies with competitive sports, get erratic sleep, and consume a less-than-optimal diet. Massage can help muscles recover from overuse, and help balance the body and maintain that stability.

Perhaps even more crucial, teen massage can help improve body image and sleep patterns, and contribute to decreased depression, anxiety, and stress. This keeps a teen connected to her body, even as it morphs in confounding ways. Many teens are self-conscious, and not happy with their bodies. Massage can help teens stay grounded and learn healthy ways to cope with stress. Also, Bodywork and Nutritional Consultations have been reported to help mediate eating disorders, a growing concern among teens.

Another potential plus: A beneficial, therapeutic relationship can develop between bodyworkers and teenagers during the years when adolescents need
adult confidantes, but keep parents at a distance. The practitioner can become a supportive, trusted adult in a teen's life. And the session itself, can be a way to deal with all the physical and emotional turmoil of this tender age.

Many teens feel comfortable receiving a full hour treatment but may want to start with a half hour at the first session. Balance offers a good student discount: $1 off for every "A" and/or "B".

Another great way to introduce your teen to bodywork is with a Birthday or Night Out Spa Party. A Balance Party is a unique night out for the teens themselves or a great bonding experience for you, your teen, thier friends and parents. We offer entertaining workshops that apply to teen-living such as Skin Care 101, Understanding Your "Self" and Others, Making Decisions You Can Live With, and more. If they're not careful, they might learn something!

A Love Story - Pass It On!

2011-02-11T08:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I received the most amazing "Thank You" from a client, let's call her Sue.

For 10+ years, Sue was professionally and financially successful at the same company. However, she was emotionally drained from an extremely childish and negative work environment. For a long time, I heard her horrible stories of the disrespectful actions of co-workers and supervisors. A few months ago, she started with a membership program to regularly "reboot" and cope with what seemed like an unavoidable aspect of her life.

When Sue came in for January's treatment, I was working with one of the Balance practitioners on office "stuff". Sue told me that she was in awe of the positive relationship and interaction between myself and the practitioner as we troubleshooted whatever it was we were working on. I honestly don't remember any of this. :-)

In my previous life at a 9-5 job, I was lucky enough to have 2 positive and supportive mentors. From day one, my first mentor patiently trained and coached me through the day to day tasks. Her patience and coaching continued for years even after she moved up into other positions in the company. My second mentor came later as my direct supervisor. She regularly challenged me and provided me with tools I still use today to maintain positive work relationships. Anyone can be hired as a manager but few managers have great managerial skills. To these mentors, I am grateful.

Back to Sue....After the January treatment, she was optimistic that she could also a good work environment and that it was time for a change. Last night, Sue was telling me about her new job with supportive co-workers, a tranquil environment and even more clients than before.

Quitting your job might not be an option but as I learned last night, your actions influence others around you - sometimes more than you think or intend! Treat others - especially co-workers - with patience, love and respect. Hopefully it will be passed on.

Stay warm!
Aimee

Congratulations Detoxers!

2011-01-29T08:55:00.000-08:00

A message for the 13 detox participants:

Congrats to all! You've survived the 10 Day Detox. It wasn't so bad, now was it?

You should all be very proud of your accomplishment and all your efforts to do something wonderful for your health! I hope you have enjoyed the process and the challenges. Your health and nutritional needs are much more complicated than a high protein, low carb diet, low fat or whatever health fad is going to be marketed next. Our modern lifestyle, stress management, and dietary options have made healthy living quiet complicated. You have taken a huge step towards simplifying your health!

Never feel bad or beat yourself up over a dietary or lifestyle choice. As we have seen, everything in moderation and now you have a better idea of what "moderation" means for your unique health needs. If you go to the extreme and fall "off the wagon", now you know some great ways to get back on track. Most importantly, if you should ever need assistance to get there, call me. It is what I am here for, have been there myself (and will probably be there again), and I love doing it!

Many of you have posted wonderful feedback about the process. Any final thoughts or questions?

Take care and maybe I'll see you in May or September for the next detoxes!

Well done everyone!

Aimee

Meet the Practitioner: Laura Fields, Esthetician

2011-01-13T08:09:00.001-08:00

How did you become interested in Esthetics?

Perfect skin is not in my genetics. Several of my family members and I suffer from skin conditions, including acne. It has always been a burden to maintain healthy skin. Several years ago, I started doing more intensive research on the subject trying to improve my own skin. I was bombarded by information! As a consumer, there are so many different opinions and “magical potions” out there that it was impossible to really understand it all. I devoured books on the subject of skincare, in quest of “perfect skin”. I decided then and there that my passion was skincare. I wanted to help others to achieve beautiful skin, so I decided to attend an Esthetics school. I chose an excellent school and I loved it! My education has helped me immensely with my own skin, and now I am passionately helping others!

What types of services do you perform?

I provide a customized facial designed to meet your specific needs. My facials are very relaxing and include a facial massage that will improve your skin and psyche. Along with facials, I perform body waxing, head to toe. I also offer an exfoliating body treatment that will renew and rejuvenate the skin on your body.

Why do I need a facial and how frequently should I get one?

Our skin is exposed to many different elements every day, and it is constantly being broken down. Sun exposure, poor diet, pollution, smoking, and many more factors are working daily to break down the skin. That’s where a facial comes in; a facial will cleanse and bring back that “healthy glow”. Even if you consider your skin pretty “normal”, you can benefit from a facial. Take notice of people’s skin around you. What does it tell you about them...their age, their diet, their stress level, and more? From competing in the corporate world to feeling good about yourself every day, a healthy appearance is not about vanity and should not be underestimated. It is ideal to receive a facial once a month. If it’s not an option for you, I can help you find the right at home and professional facial routine to maintain a healthy and youthful appearance.

Besides facials what else can I do to improve my skin?

A great at-home skincare routine is a must for healthy skin. If our skin is constantly abused with harsh products and products not designed for our skin, it will definitely show. Knowing the ingredients that will truly work to get results is the key. The three basic steps for a skincare routine are: cleanse, tone, and moisturize. Specific serums, problem solvers, and night time treatments will also help in a routine. Sounds a little confusing? That’s where I come in. I am familiar with high end products along with products that you can get at a local drugstore. I can recommend products that will be the best for your skin type and skin conditions.

What is the worst thing that I can do for my skin?

Pick at it! Picking at pimples, not only causes damage to the tissue creating a bigger problem, it also spreads the infection! So that one pimple you had can turn into many pimples. Also, “popping” pimples can also push the infection deeper in and break the dermal walls making even more problems. Keep your hands off! Also, wear SPF! Sun damage is the number one cause of aging.

Stretches for Desk Work

2011-01-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

Try these stretches to reduce tension and discomfort at work. Stretch only to a comfortable level, not to pain. If you feel any of these movements are difficult because of tension, let your massage therapist know you would like work on releasing that area at your next session. If you have intense pain with any of these stretches, discontinue them and let your practitioner know.

1. For neck tension, drop your chin to your chest as you exhale. Inhale and very slowly let your right ear drop to your right shoulder. Exhale and roll your chin to your chest. Inhale and roll your left ear to your left shoulder. Exhale and return to your chest. Continue these movements, slowly and easily, for several minutes. Note: Many yoga and other exercise instructors advise people to avoid rolling the head back so that the chin is up as this can compress the cervical spine.

2. To stretch your whole spine, raise your arms over your head. Stretch your right arm toward the ceiling, hold and relax. Then repeat with your left arm. Breathe slowly, exhaling completely as you stretch. Repeat several times. (Do not do this stretch if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.)

3. For joint mobility, stretch one leg in front of you and roll your ankle in circles, both directions. Repeat on the other side. Then, with your arms at your sides, roll your wrists in circles, both directions.

4. Shake your arms and hands vigorously, as if you had a piece of tape stuck to your fingers and you are trying to get it off. Shake for 30 seconds and feel the energy move through your limbs.

5. For upper body tension, clasp your hands behind your head with your elbows extended to the sides. Exhale and very slowly twist your head and torso to the right. Hold for a moment, inhale and turn back to the center. Then exhale, turn to the left, and return to center. Repeat 5 times each direction, up to 3 times a day.

6. To ease back tension, push your chair away from the desk. Stretch both arms forward and rest your hands on the desk. Exhale and lower your head while arching your back. Relax for a moment with your head down. Then inhale and raise your head and chest, arching your back in the other direction. Stretch several times this way, breathing slowly and completely.