Forget the box of chocolate and flowers. If you are feeling stressed and want to show yourself some love this February, you can sign up for the “Be Your Own Valentine” wellness event, where you will take three hours to relax with mini- acupuncture and massage sessions, among others. If you decide to take part, you will be showing love to others too as the cost—a simple $25 donation—will benefit the nonprofit NoStigmas, which works to erase the stigmas attached to mental illness.
Who: Rooted Center in collaboration with multiple health practitioners.
What: Be Your Own Valentine (Sign up here.)
Make a suggested donation of $25 to benefit NoStigmas and you can enjoy a day of self-care and refreshments with services including:
- Mini acupuncture treatments by Heidi Shimko, L.Ac., MSTOM, NCCAOM Board Certified acupuncturist, Reiki master: Shimko works with psycho-emotional issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, post traumatic stress disorder, and addiction.
- Massage and stretching techniques by Heather Fraelick, LMT: Fraelick is a licensed massage therapist and she owns a pain management practice that focuses on massage therapy, myofascial release, reflexology and Reiki.
- Group breath work and essential oils classes by Katie Ray, DC: Ray works as a chiropractor at the New Day Network Wellness Center where she utilizes de-stressing techniques in patients.
- Group visualization and art sessions by Shruti Sekhri: Sekhri is the founder of Rooted Center and specializes in art and other creative techniques for therapeutic purposes.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, from 4-7 p.m.
Where: 2221 W. North Ave., Chicago
The organization: NoStigmas is a nonprofit organization working to erase the stigmas attached to mental illness, promote mental wellness and prevent suicide. Jacob Daniel Moore founded the organization in 2007 on the 20th anniversary of his father’s death. His father suffered from mental illness and committed suicide because, as Moore writes, “he was a person in pain who saw no way out.” NoStigmas carries out their mission by providing free educational materials as well as a directory of mental health resources on their website. They also host various events and run a peer-to-peer mentoring program, which matches someone with lived mental illness, suicidal loss or caregiver experience with someone who is facing in a similar situation. You can volunteer with the organization or make a donation on their website.
