Alternative Medicine

Looking for a little lift amid a midwinter slump? Mystic Fountain Wellness Center, 4122 Oakton St., Skokie, has just the remedy.

The center is hosting Wellness Happy Hours every Wednesday evening in March from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For just $15, visitors can network, munch on organic cookies, sip herbal teas, enjoy a chair massage and experience the art of Reiki -- a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing.   

The event is owner Mildred Abonce’s way of getting acquainted with the neighbors after recently moving her office from its longtime Touhy Avenue location.

A roomier new center allows Abonce, a certified and licensed massage therapist, to expand her services, which include massage, reflexology, acupuncture and herbal therapy, Reiki -- a Japanese healing technique used for stress reduction and relaxation that is administered by "laying of the hands" on or above the body, meditation and gentle yoga. She is joined by massage therapist Elvis Dur, and Reiki master teachers Debbie Walker and Maria Gomez.

Mildred began her journey to wellness after juggling an 18-year career in banking and real estate. After developing arthritis, she found relief from massage and other alternative therapies. She decided to switch careers and train as a massage therapist, opening her own practice about five years ago.

She also offers private “doula” services to support new mothers from pregnancy through labor and postpartum. In addition, Abonce is certified in oncology massage, techniques designed to help alleviate the fatigue and nausea felt by cancer patients as they undergo radiation and chemotherapy.    

For more information, or to schedule at appointment with Mildred or her associates at Mystic Fountain, call 847-213-0988 or book online at www.mymysticfountain.com.