March 14th – April 11th – May 9th

Join us the second Wednesday of every month for a free meditation guided by Susan Lipshutz, LCSW and founder of Everyday Medicine Woman LLC. No previous meditation experience or reservation is required.

Our new Allyu Seasonal manicure and pedicure treatments utilizes this gift of nature to create an experience nourishing to body and mind.

The softening of natural lactic enzymes from milk and a touch of cocoa in a warm soak prepares the skin and relaxes the muscles. Pure Cocoa is also used in your cinnamon and sugar scrub exfoliation and blended with honey and Dead Sea mud to create a perfect winter mask. A cocoa butter moisturizing massage offers that extra rich hydration needed in winter and works wonders on chapped dry skin.

Of course, we also have fresh hot chocolate for you to sip during your treatment to assure that all your senses are treated equally!

Allyu Seasonal Manicure – $50
Allyu Seasonal Pedicure – $75

Relax into a warm vanilla salt soak as your skin is gently exfoliated with coffee and sugar body polish.  Hands and feet are ready to absorb a nourishing vitamin masque; healing royal jelly, golden seal and pine tree extract all fortify and enrich your skin. You are massaged into ultimate hydration with LeveL’s delicious body butter. And of course, cuticles and nails are beautifully groomed and polished with the color of your choice.

Mani OR Pedi includes FULL SIZE BODY BUTTER FOR TAKE HOME! $16 value
Mani AND Pedi includes TAKE HOME BODY BUTTER & SUGAR SCRUB! $34 value

For many of us, life is shifting into high gear as the summer fades and the last months of the year approach. School has resumed, vacations are over, play time makes room for work time and the preparations for holidays already start to loom.

Paradoxically, as the days become cooler and shorter, our natural inclination is to recede and start a journey toward the quieter, introspective months of winter. Modern urban cultures often don’t acknowledge these seasonal cycles. We adjust our thermostats, turn on our lights and watch the transition through our windows, as if it’s all occurring outside of us. However, these cycles do affect us. Seasonal illness, melancholy and overwhelm are only a few of the symptoms of a bumpy ride into Autumn.

There are some simple ways to honor our changing needs and take care of ourselves that allow us to experience the joys of Autumn to the fullest.

• Don’t  wait until the sniffles start to grab the hot tea and honey. A warm cup of ginger tea can relax your mind, warm your body, strengthen your immune system and support your digestion. Green tea, peppermint or an immune support blend are also beneficial.
• Enjoy Autumn harvest. Eating the seasonal foods of your environment is one of the most proactive steps you can take to balanced health. This time of year, the seeds fall off the trees and the root vegetables and squash ripen. These foods provide us with the concentrated energy needed to support us into cooler, drier days. Many of them are also rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants.
• Listen to your Mother and wear a scarf. Our daily temperatures can fluctuate from seriously chilly in the early day to almost hot under mid day sun. These dramatic changes can be a shock to our system and immunity. Even though its tempting to endure the chill, it can easily lead us down a road to illness. Layering your clothes and keeping your neck warm will help you avoid the respiratory illness notorious in these months.
• Move and stretch your body but consider before initiating an intense new regimen. Exercise is invaluable for our muscles, heart, lymphatic system and mind. However, our energy starts to deplete during this seasonal transition and if we expend more than is available, we feel it. If you are starting a new exercise program, start slowly. Long walks outside have an eternal romantic connection with the days of Autumn and are an ideal form of exercise during this time. Not only does it provide for us physically but it also allows us time to contemplate (an innate part of the season), breathe, cherish the hours of sunlight and experience the beauty of the changes of Fall. It literally allows us to “walk in step” with the natural cycles.
• Detox gently. Herbal and dietary detoxification programs have become very popular over the last several years. The benefits to overall health are wonderful. Done consciously, a seasonal cleanse can support the immune system and create vitality. If you choose to commit to a cleansing program during this transition, care is important. If interested, you can refer to our previous blog article on gentle seasonal detoxification.
• Let go of what doesn’t benefit you. This is always a goal in life but right now the entire cycle of nature is supporting your decision. It’s the time to let go. Trees don’t hold onto seeds, thinking they may still need them in the future. If they did, there would be no more trees. Obligations that are starting to overwhelm, emotions that haunt, material possessions that clutter can all depart smoothly during this season. It cleans the slate in preparation for all the new and exciting growth of the future.

Acknowledging the seasonal transition is in itself a powerful was to align with all the changes. This year our Equinox is early in the morning on September 23^rd, the time when the length of the day and night are equal. The hours of daylight start to diminish in comparison until December 21^st when we reach our Winter Solstice.  Cultures throughout time have gathered on this day to say farewell to the summer and prepare together for harvest and the winter ahead.  Take a few moments this week to contemplate this shift and how it affects you. Make some personal plans to take care of yourself and experience all of the gifts of this beautiful, inward moving season.

Several companies have released a unique hybrid of a gel and traditional lacquer. At Allyu Spa, we have chosen the Gelish brand, mostly due to their fun colors! Gelish applies like a polish but has the additional resilience of gel to create a long lasting and durable manicure. Each coat of polish is cured for 2 minutes under a UV light. It dries instantly and, for many, can last 2 weeks without dulling or chipping. The ten minute professional soak removal leaves the nail plate intact and undamaged. We’ve also chosen these new lacquers because they are DBP, toluene and formaldehyde free.

The benefits of this lacquer are many:

• No dry time! Reach right into your purse to grab your car keys.
• For most clients, the application will last for two weeks without dulling or chipping.
• Enjoy strong, protected nails. Hybrid lacquers protect and help strengthen your natural nails without any damage.
• Gentle application and removal. Removes safely and easily in less than 10 minutes.

Extended wear manicures are not for everyone. Due to the additional hardness of the lacquer, certain innate nail qualities or daily routines can minimize the durability of the finish.  Factors that can affect your polish endurance include:

• If you have extended exposure to water, which expands and contracts the nail, it will weaken the polish bond.
• If your daily activities knock or grind the tips of the nail.  This can damage or chip the finish.
• If your nail bed is naturally oily, be grateful! This is a sign of very healthy nails but can minimize the amount of time the Extended Wear Polish adheres to the nail plate.

An appointment is needed for professional removal of the Extended Wear Polish. If you are in the routine of a regular manicure, this will be an easy transition. However, if you prefer to touch up a chip at home or remove polish at your leisure, this may be an undesired additional step.

This service does include exposure to UV to cure and acetone is needed for removal. As we all know, excessive exposure to UV light via the sun or tanning beds is damaging to the skin and increases risk of cancer. We are confident this exposure is minimal for our guests but also understand and respect if you chose to abstain from this exposure entirely.

If you decide that a traditional polish manicure is better suited for you needs, the following are a few tips to extend wear and enjoyment:

• Apply a clear top coat to your manicure every 2-3 days to protect color and shine
• Avoid extended exposure to water
• Massage oil or lotion into the cuticle area daily
• Pull out keys and phone, have parking validated and take care of payment prior to service to avoid smudges while polish is still curing
• Remember, traditional lacquer takes 24 hours to fully cure so extra care needs to be taken during the day of your service

No matter what route you choose to pamper and beautify your hands, we hope you enjoy it as a joyful extension of your self expression!

Extended Wear Polish Manicure               $38

Extended Wear Soak off Removal             $15  ($12 with any manicure)

Extended Wear Polish Removal and Reapplication   $50

* Please let us know if you currently have Extended Wear Polish applied when you make subsequent appointments to assure we allow adequate time for an amazing nail service.

If you are planning your special day, congratulations! Your wedding day will be full of joy and happiness. As a current bride-to-be, I wanted to share a few tips that have helped me, and I hope will assist in your planning stages.

1. Take care of yourself. Keeping up with the simple stuff may sound like an easy order, but often the simplest tasks are left behind when the big day comes closer. Get plenty of sleep, drink water (my favorite form of hydration is coconut water) and eat three nutritious meals a day. Though you want to be slim and svelte for the big day, remember it’s just one day and you deserve to enjoy yourself as well.

2. Let go of expectations. Your day will be beautiful and a special experience, but if you worry about every single detail until you are blue in the face, you won’t see the big picture. Step back, take stock of all your have to be thankful for, and really enjoy this day that is all about you.

3. Enlist the help of you support system. This was a big one for me. I’ve been planning a wedding in a new city where my support system is smaller than my usual friend circle, and in the beginning I wasn’t sure if I could do it on my own. Luckily, friends and family from near and far have offered to help in numerous ways, and I wouldn’t have a great event if it wasn’t for them!

4. Find websites to offer inspiration, but not a wedding addiction. When I first began wedding planning, I couldn’t stop searching on wedding websites. There were so many DIY ideas, I was salivating into my keyboard. Whether yours is a DIY affair, or a sit down event, find a few websites and stick with them. My favorites have been Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding, and the Two Thousand Dollar Wedding.

5. Remember to find a budget and outline and works for you, and not for everyone else. I planned a wedding on a very small budget, but many wedding websites kept pointing out that I could have a “bargain” wedding for under $10,000. I felt bad about not being able to spend even ½ of that. Remember that this is YOUR day – and everyone will have an opinion. Just take everything in, and let your instinct guide you to what works in your situation.

No matter what your special day will be, remember to let your intuition guide you. I’m sure your choices and flair for creativity will be a reflection of you and your partner’s tastes. Congratulations!
Photo: Betacam

Woman Made Exhibition, May 7th
Head over to Logan Square, where I Am Logan Square (IALS) gallery is presenting a woman made art exhibition in May titled, “Point of View.” Support the artists at the opening reception on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 6-9pm at IALS’s gallery, located at 2648 N. Milwaukee Avenue. For more information click here.

Donate and Support Mother Earth, everyday
A gift on Mother’s Day can also mean giving back to Mother Earth. Present a donation in your mother’s name to an organization with strong ecological principles and goals such as arborday.org or TreesForTheFuture.org. These organizations make a huge difference with every donation, no matter how big or small.

Buddhist Arts Event, May 7^th and 8th
For a meaningful way to celebrate, check out “Space for Mind,” an exhibition from the DWBC North American Collection. Hosted by Diamond Way Buddhist Center: Chicago, and held at Flourish Studio, the program will include guided tours, introductory lectures to Buddhism, and film screenings. Exhibition admission is free, lectures are $10 and films are $4 suggested donation per person. For more information about the event or DWBC Chicago, visit the website, call 312.421.0133, or email chicago@diamondway.org

Mother’s Day Lakefront Ceremony, May 8th
Everyday Medicine Woman will be offering a wave of love and gratitude to the Mother Presence with a ceremony at Montrose Harbor. The event will include a procession of powerful healing drums from Southern Chile, simple chants for universal harmony and songs offered as one unified voice in support of global unity, tolerance and peace. For more information click here.

Family Portraits at the Arboretum, May 8th
Spend Mother’s Day outside and capture a special memory by treating mom to a professional family portrait among the spring beauty of the Arboretum. Portraits are available from 9am – 3pm at the visitor’s center. For more information visiting the website or call 630.968.0074

Relaxation and Pampering at Allyu Spa, everyday!
As always, Allyu Spa is open on Mother’s Day weekend and would love to pamper your loved ones. From massage to facials and nails, we know mom would love to spend the day with us. Check out our menu of spa services or give us a call with any questions.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, we wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Allyu Spa!

Photo: Michael Anthony Wade

]]> http://www.allyuspa.com/2011/six-ways-to-create-an-unforgettable-mother%e2%80%99s-day/feed/ 0 http://www.allyuspa.com/2011/postpartum-healing-our-manager-community-share-their-experiences/ http://www.allyuspa.com/2011/postpartum-healing-our-manager-community-share-their-experiences/#comments Wed, 04 May 2011 13:56:35 +0000 Tamara http://allyuspa.com/blog/?p=557 Continue reading →]]> As a mother-to-be, I was prepared as much as one can be for the labor and delivery of my son last summer. What I did not anticipate was the extent of postpartum recovery, both mentally and physically.  My experience was profound, a journey as unique as the pregnancy itself.  I’m not sure where the idea that healing is instant and easy came from, perhaps family or friends, but I wanted to know if anyone else felt the same.  To gain wisdom from others in our Allyu community, I reached out to mothers with a survey asking, “What was your experience of postpartum recovery and what did you find most healing?”

My full recovery came slowly, even as someone with an uncomplicated birth. From my personal experience, the dramatic changes in the postpartum body and the hormonal shift were eye-opening. The first night after leaving the hospital my family stopped at an ice cream shop to celebrate, but the visit was cut short due to my immediate wave of emotions that erupted. The tears weren’t for any specific reason, but the feelings became overwhelming as I tried to calm down. One mother of three from the survey similarly shared, “My first child brought an onslaught of unexpected feelings of deep loss, sadness and fear. This subsided about a month into mothering.” In what is often sold as a purely joyful experience for moms is often a more wide range of emotions, from blissful to distressing.

An expectation I held onto was that the bounce back to my “old self” would happen in no time. As this expectation took longer to fulfill, my frustration grew. When inquiring within the survey how soon a mom could stroll a 1/2 mile after delivery, the responses ranged from three days to four weeks. It was comforting to find a spectrum of answers, and I experienced the same feeling as one mother who shared, “I didn’t know walking would feel so hard to do!”  Another mama summarized the entire experience well by saying, “The recovery process is a journey with many stages and it takes a long time; it involves different levels of feeling better, feeling more like myself, and feeling more like I have my body back.”  Forty percent of the mothers surveyed did not participate in a paid wellness activity after delivery, like a massage or a yoga class, and yet those who did seemed to experience great results.  Some exercised, others meditated, but most all said that allowing themselves to rest was the key to recovery.  As one mom eloquently put it, “I could be strong, capable and vulnerable all at the same time.”

If you are able to take part in postpartum healing activities, Allyu Spa has a large number of offerings to assist in your journey. Massage has countless therapeutic benefits that include detoxifying muscles and increasing circulation.  Circulation is especially relevant to nursing mothers for building and sustaining a milk supply.  Massage can also aid in the recovery after c-section and minimize muscular aches and aid in realignment. We have expanded our Pachamama Package to include postpartum massage that focuses on the needs of a healing mother.

Increased breakouts or even melasma, “the pregnancy mask”, may alter the complexion during or post pregnancy.  Facials deeply cleanse and purifying the skin and help in this natural adjustment period.  Skin type appropriate masks and peels are excellent to use at home between visits.  Allyu offers both face and back facials because we all know that acne is not just limited to the face.

As your hormones decrease you may begin to notice the strength of your natural nail reduce to what it was pre-pregnancy.  Manicures and pedicures are the perfect way to buff and care for your lovely nails–and there really is no better way to celebrate being able to see your toes.

Don’t worry if you notice an increase amount of hair loss, this is completely normal within the first three months after you deliver.  Haircuts aren’t a part of Allyu’s offerings, but I loved my post pregnancy cut at Restoration Salon in Andersonville.

For a twist on the gym experience, Active Moms Club hosts a range of indoor and outdoor fitness classes pre and post pregnancy that cater specifically to mothers. All trainers have specialized training and you can bring your baby with you to sessions.

The postpartum journey is different for everyone. Whatever your experience, at Allyu we are here to support you on that journey. For more information about our pre or post-natal offerings please visit our website, or if you have any questions, give us a call at 312.755.1313.

Photo: Irenaeus Herwindo

You do not need a new age spiritual proclivity to appreciate the similarities between our biological mothers and the earth.

• Our Earth nourishes us. Everything we eat or drink comes from Her.
• She holds us on the planet so we don’t swirl up into an endless universe.
• Bodies of water on the earth (called the watery womb of the mother in many indigenous cultures) have cycles of tides 13 times a year, in relation to the cycles of the moon. A woman also has 13 cycles a year for this reason.
• In this watery womb, single cells joined to become organisms and eventually animals and plants.
• When the Earth is healthy and provided for, it increases her ability to create and provide.
• She holds our history. We can drill down into an ice core and explore history millions of years ago, like examining a string of DNA.
• Everyone of us exists because of the numerous elements the earth has given and, like a dependent infant, we cannot exist without Her.

Gaia is the name that the Greeks used for Earth Mother. She is described as more of a power than a deity. Gaia was not born but appeared out of the chaos of the universe and subsequently created all that is. The following is a Homeric hymn to Gaia from the 7th century:

I will sing of well-founded Earth, mother of all, eldest of all beings. She feeds all creatures that are in the world, all that go upon the goodly land, and all that are in the paths of the seas, and all that fly: all these are fed of her store. Through you, O queen, men are blessed in their children and blessed in their harvests, and to you it belongs to give means of life to mortal men and to take it away.

Almost every culture had a place for reverence of the Earth as their maternal source and provider. Even before ancient Romans referred to the Earth as Terra Mater (Tellus) or the Hopi called Her Tuuwaqatsi, the agrarian cultures of our history honored and sometimes deified the Mother Earth. Their existence was intricately tied to the cycles of nature and they were acutely aware of their dependence on the Earth’s resources. Historical evidence suggests that during this time the Divine was referred to as a feminine force.

As history progressed, communities began to grow, claim land, war over land and obtain power through dominance and possessions. Survival became more connected to the act of humans than the gifts of the Earth. Industrialization and civilization continued to grow. Communities learned to store food and breed animals, giving them some independence from the cycles of nature.  Judaism, Islam and Christianity followed with a supreme masculine deity. Man was in control, God was male and Divine was accessed from above not below. Any apparent adoration/worship of the feminine Earth was seen as heresy.

We all know that herbalists and midwives were condemned as witches in recent history due to their connection the Earth and supposed spiritual affiliation. However, the majority of the evolution away from the Earth honoring was much more gradual and subtle. Modernization leaped forward. Homes became temperature controlled, oranges grow in winter, and a child could eat steak once a week and have never seen a cow. Control over the Earth instead of cooperation with the Earth became the symbol of status and power.

As our resources dwindle and our weather becomes more tumultuous, we are again realizing our dependence on our Earth and regaining gratitude for what She provides. We have more religious tolerance and understand that loving our Earth does not conflict with any spiritual path. Consciousness of consumption and waste is finally dawning. Realization that we cannot survive without this planet in also finally dawning. Modern culture is starting to look at our Earth again, hopefully with some tenderness, gratitude and respect.

The new Earth honoring culture is emerging beautiful and diverse – from research for fossil fuel alternatives and creation of biodegradable substrates to avid biking, reclaiming rights of indigenous spiritual cultures, planting trees, spiritual awakening and bold legislation.

Bolivia is on the brink of passing a revolutionary set of rules that would grant nature equal rights to humans. The legislation is called The Law of Mother Earth. It includes: the right to life and to exist; the right to continue vital cycles and processes free from human alteration; the right to pure water and clean air; the right to balance; the right not to be polluted; and the right to not have cellular structure modified or genetically altered.

Andean culture has a resilient Earth honoring culture. Pachamama is the name for their Great Mother and resurgence in indigenous beliefs, along with the environmental challenges in Bolivia, have spurred this new legislation. Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera said when describing the measure, “Earth is the mother of all…the harmony [between man and nature] must be preserved as a guarantee of its regeneration.”

Remembering Mother Earth is returning to popular culture. Whether in an eco-conscious statement or line from Avatar, its becoming more than a new age slogan. It’s a meme for existence. Honoring the mother, the Mother, can stimulate a consciousness that heals both our planet and the beautiful beings that live here on it.

• Sugar exfoliates and cleanses the skin.
• Alpha-hydroxy rich sugar breaks up dead skin cells and stimulates cell rejuvenation.
• A body scrub promotes more uniform skin color and texture.
• The oils hydrate skin without clogging pores.
• The lymphatic system is stimulated, flushing toxin and increasing immunity.
• Exfoliating helps to heal blemishes, absorb dirt and oil from pores, and balance the natural oils in the skin

Sugar and oil are the only ingredients needed for an effective home scrub. Mix ½ cup sugar with approximately ¼ cup oil. Enough oil should be used so as to create a slushy consistency. Almond oil, grapeseed oil or even olive oil will work beautifully. Avoid mineral oils as they clog pores and won’t absorb into the skin. Have a small bowl of water available to assist with dissolving the scrub into your skin.

The amount of scrub needed is far less than anticipated. Start with a quarter-sized dollop  and begin working it into your skin. Dip your fingers into the water bowl as needed to moisten and lubricate. The intention is to completely dissolve the mixture into your skin. The initial exfoliation will occur from the grains of sugar. As it dissolves, the natural alpha-hydroxy and oils rejuvenate and nourish. When you are done, rinse off excess. You will feel clean, smooth and hydrated.

White granulated sugar will probably be too coarse for use on the neck and face. If you’d like to include those areas, or if your skin very sensitive, use brown sugar for your scrub. A brown sugar scrub is also an amazing daily routine for hands and chapped lips during winter months.

If feeling creative, numerous variations are available to try for additional benefit and enjoyment:

• Coffee has a perfect granular shape for exfoliation and the caffeine assists with circulation and deters cellulite. Use half sugar and half coffee with your oil to create the mixture.

• Honey is an amazing skin food. Its extremely soothing and hydrating. Add a little to you scrub or, if your old honey has crystallized in the jar, you can use it as a pre-made body scrub or evening lip and hand treatment.

• A bit of cinnamon or clove will add a warm scent and stimulate circulation.

• Essential oils are always a lovely addition to a body scrub. The aroma-therapeutic value of the essence is increased because the skin is so open to absorption. Seven to ten drops is usually sufficient.Whatever your inspiration, enjoy yourself and relax -  you deserve it!

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