Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Integrative Health in Evanston
Heartwood Center is a healthcare collective established in 1999, dedicated to providing excellence in integrative health services, classes, and events. We offer a compassionate, safe space for individuals to explore healing through mind, body, and spirit. Our team of over 40 independent professionals collaborates to deliver a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including acupuncture, meditation, and yoga. Founded by Nancy Floy, we emphasize an interdependent network of practitioners fostering balance and harmony for clients. Celebrating 26 years in 2025, we remain committed to holistic wellness in Evanston and the Chicagoland area.Our mission combines social justice with Buddhist principles, ensuring accessible care through sliding-scale fees. We prioritize ethical practices, transparency, and survivor-centric programs for those affected by guru or teacher abuse. Our newly renovated facility features free parking, natural light, and a serene environment designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Heartwood Center also hosts community events, workshops, and meditation retreats to support personal and collective growth.
Services
Acupuncture
Yoga Therapy
Meditation Classes
Tai Chi
Reiki
Counseling
Massage Therapy
Qigong
Mindfulness Training
Spiritual Guidance
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 26 years of experience in integrative health and wellness.
- Our collaborative network includes over 40 practitioners across diverse modalities.
- Sliding-scale fees ensure accessible care for all community members.
- We host survivor-centric programs addressing guru and teacher abuse.
- Our newly renovated facility provides a serene, accessible environment.
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
What people say
Incredible resource
Wonderful teacher
Profoundly improved health
Peaceful environment
Highly recommend
Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture at Heartwood Center involves inserting fine needles at specific points to balance energy flow and stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Our licensed practitioners use traditional Chinese medicine techniques to address pain, stress, and chronic conditions. Clients benefit from personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique health goals, promoting physical and emotional well-being through holistic care.
Meditation Classes
Heartwood Center's meditation classes guide participants in cultivating present-moment awareness and inner peace. Led by experienced instructors, sessions include Buddhist teachings, breathwork, and seated or movement-based practices. These classes support stress reduction, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth, welcoming both beginners and seasoned practitioners in a nurturing community environment.
Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy at Heartwood Center combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation to address specific health concerns. Tailored sessions help manage chronic pain, improve flexibility, and enhance mental clarity. Our certified therapists integrate yoga philosophy with modern medical insights, offering a holistic approach to rehabilitation and wellness for individuals of all experience levels.
Tai Chi
Heartwood Center's Tai Chi classes teach slow, flowing movements to improve balance, reduce stress, and enhance vitality. Instructors emphasize proper alignment and breath coordination, making this ancient practice accessible to all ages and fitness levels. Regular participation supports joint health, cardiovascular wellness, and mindful body awareness in a supportive group setting.
Reiki
Reiki sessions at Heartwood Center use gentle touch to channel universal life force energy, promoting relaxation and self-healing. Practitioners work with clients to clear energy blockages and restore balance to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This non-invasive therapy complements other medical or wellness treatments, offering a calming experience for stress relief and vitality enhancement.
People
Nancy Floy
Founder & Co-Director
Nancy Floy, a 30-year practitioner of Asian medicine, founded Heartwood Center in 1999. A survivor of childhood trauma, she integrates Buddhist teachings and healing practices to address systemic abuse in spiritual communities. She leads meditation programs and survivor support initiatives.
Larry Akey
Director of Meditation Programs
Larry Akey has studied Buddhism since the 1970s and leads Heartwood Center's meditation component. He combines scholarly analysis of Buddhist texts with practical retreat experience, offering depth to weekly classes and retreats focused on mindfulness and compassion practices.
Tara LaDieu
Co-Director
Tara LaDieu collaborates on strategic initiatives and program development at Heartwood Center. With expertise in holistic health administration, she supports the center's mission to provide integrative care and community-focused wellness programs across the Chicagoland area.
Joe Ingraffia
Skylight Rentals Manager
Joe Ingraffia manages event space rentals at Heartwood Center's Skylight Room. He facilitates community gatherings, workshops, and cultural events, ensuring the venue supports the center's commitment to fostering connection and wellness through shared experiences.
Choela Tenzin Dadon
Guest Teacher & Counselor
Choela Tenzin Dadon, a Bhutanese nun and scholar, provides counseling for survivors of spiritual abuse. As an advocate for gender equity in Buddhism, she contributes academic and practical insights to Heartwood Center's survivor programs and international outreach initiatives.
Questions
What types of services does Heartwood offer?
Heartwood provides acupuncture, meditation classes, yoga therapy, Tai Chi, Reiki, counseling, and massage therapy, among other holistic health services.
Are services available for survivors of spiritual abuse?
Yes, Heartwood offers specialized support groups and counseling for survivors of guru or teacher abuse, both locally and internationally.
Do you offer sliding-scale fees?
All services are offered on a sliding scale to ensure accessibility for individuals at all financial levels.
Is Heartwood a religious organization?
While rooted in Buddhist principles, Heartwood welcomes all spiritual backgrounds and focuses on secular wellness practices.
What are your facility amenities?
Our center features free parking, natural light, accessible design, and a serene environment for healing and community events.
How can I join a meditation class?
Weekly meditation sessions are open to all; visit our website for schedules and registration details.
Reviews (6)
Sammy D.
May 03, 2020
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This is such a unique healing center! I have great experiences whenever I see a doctor or practitioner there. I highly recommend this place to anyone with an alternative view on healing!
Ahmed Allam
Nov 08, 2018
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It's a center with different offices servicing acupuncture and meditation among some and it considered the front side entrance to the heartwood center. Lisa Meyerson is a licensed acupuncturist with focus on fertility. Extremely lovely down to earth lady, full of energy and love.
Kate S.
Jul 09, 2018
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A truly wonderful place, I got accupuncture here while going through chemo many years ago and it was a huge support for a difficult process. Very caring, soothing environment.
Jenine Arteaga
Mar 01, 2015
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I've attended various programs at Heartwood and have always enjoyed my experience. The community at Heartwood is warm and welcoming and is always willing to open it's doors to new comers. It's a very beautiful, open, space and not only has various practitioners but also has regular Yoga and Tai Chi classes as well as Meditation and talks on Sundays. This is a perfect place if you're looking for holistic methods of healing and to deepen your spiritual practice in general!
Erin J.
Nov 30, 2008
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Total hidden gem. No, really, it's actually hidden. There is a door, I think it's red, across from Bennison's Bakery and this is Heartwood (upstairs). I didn't know this place existed until this summer. The yoga classes are great! The owner is welcoming and kind. Grateful Yoga, Nick and Lela Beem, teach here. Their classes are excellent and refreshing. I have not explored all of the services they have to offer but I hope to in the coming year.
Laura I.
Mar 06, 2008
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This place is a great holistic center that offers several classes and workshops for yoga, meditation, t'ai chi and general well-being. It's a fantastic place to realign your body, mind and, ever important, spirit.
