Originally I found this place off a Groupon deal and it happened to be by my hospital. Prenatal massage sounded like a good idea to me and my doctor said there wasn't wrong with getting a massage while you are pregnant as long as they specialize in prenatal massage. I am hooked on this place! The building itself is like a shared apartment so very easy to overlook and is 2 minutes from Hecky's (mmmmm ribs). So it's not quite in the hub bub of downtown Evanston so parking isn't much of an issue. The massage therapist does everything to make it quite a homey and comfy, from the type of oil she uses, to her table that has a warming feature. Jennifer Schweizer is awesome (only because I can't think of a better word to explain how good she is at what she does)! I like to get my money's worth in a massage so I'm more of a deep tissue work type girl anyway, but as a professional she asks about pressure and what part ails you. She not only releases a lot of tension, but she even gave me recommendations on exercises to try to avoid buildup in those areas. I visited her every month since my first trimester. She has 3 visit deals that are so worth it and with all the aches and pains that come with growing a human inside you....it really a great way to treat yourself! read more

My first review -- After several months of suffering with an area of skin sensitivity near my shoulder blade, I made an appointment with Alex Dold. It was kind of a strange problem, because there was no rash or redness, and the area didn't itch. There was just a patch of skin that was extremely sensitive to touch. If I wore anything that was too tight in that area, like a sports bra, it was actually painful. The only thing that helped was putting a bandage on the area. After hearing the description of my symptoms, Alex decided to address the problem with both acupuncture and herbs. Amazingly, several days after the first treatment, the sensitivity was completely gone. I was thrilled. I continued to take the herbs twice a day. After a couple of weeks, the sensitive patch returned. I went back for a follow-up treatment with Alex, and then decided I should do a few more. It's now been a couple of months with no recurrence of the sensitive patch. I am so thankful that my skin feels normal again. My second review-- I had flown to California for a long weekend with friends. On the day before we were to fly home, I didn't feel well. I had a sore throat and just felt exhausted. On the flight home, I became overheated and dizzy. I even had to be transported to baggage claim in a wheelchair. I spent the next day in bed, and then developed a cough. For the next couple of days, I felt miserable and had trouble sleeping at night because I was coughing constantly. At my morning appointment, Alex first treated me with acupuncture, and then mixed up some herbs with instructions to take them 3 times per day. I was able them 3 times that day, and again the next day. By that second day, my cough was totally gone. I couldn't believe it happened that fast! I continued taking the herbs anyway. I went back the following week for another appointment, and told Alex that he was a miracle worker. read more

Alex is a very thoughtful, insightful and dedicated practitioner. I went to Alex for help to reduce the stress I was carrying in my body. He took his time to speak with me about what he was committed to helping me achieve and how he would go about doing so. He made me feel so at ease and confident in his knowledge of his work that within minutes of administering his acupuncture needles I was fast asleep on his table. He has been extremely patient in finding the right balance of herbs that work for my body. I also received several follow up calls after my treatment showing me how devoted he is to his patients and practice. The office is quiet and lovely lending itself to a tranquil environment. read more

I went to Apricot Grove for a prenatal massage off of a Groupon and have never been treated better, nor more impressed! At first, I was a bit taken back by the location. Its in Evanston, on the top floor of an old schoolhouse building. When you walk upstairs, it looks like you are going into an historic apartment. Which it probably was at one time, but each room has been so comfortably decorated and the atmosphere was warming and calm that it felt great. It wasn't at all like walking into a pretentious salon, which was a welcome relief! My therapist, Jennifer Schweizer, was so professional and her techniques were amazing. I can't speak highly enough of her. I left feeling sooooo relaxed, which is something you don't often experience 32 weeks into the pregnancy. I can't wait to go back!! -Allana read more

Several years ago I discovered I had trigeminal neuralgia, which is a chronic painful condition. Whenever I went outside and a breeze hit my forehead I got a horrible pain. My internist recommended some powerful medications which came along with side effects. I checked the internet and found that acupuncture was often helpful and had NO side effects. I went to Apricot Grove and Alex worked with me for many weeks. The pain disappeared and now I go every 3 or 4 weeks just to be sure this chronic condition does not reappear. I cannot thank Alex enough. I have no pain and no side effects; who could ask for anything more. read more

Alex is a genius! I have had chronic neck pain forever and after one treatment with his magic needles my neck and shoulders are relaxed and pain free. He has also created a intensive treatment plan that will allow me to do the Breast Cancer 3 Day walk next month- it's my 10th year walking and my knee and hip got uncooperat9ive-painful- treatment 2 today and what an improvement already! A serene atmosphere with an extremely caring and knowledgeable practicioner. read more

I went for a massage with Jennifer Schweizer and left in the most wonderfully relaxed state of mind and body. Pure Jen "zen". Jennifer finds your tight aching muscles and soothes them. She listens to whatever ails you and tailors your message to alleviate any trouble spots. Jennifer is knowledgeable and nurturing. read more

Nausea, headache and chapped lips disappeared after seeing Alex. I have been suffering from them for seven years. Especially last year, I vomited once a month when I had my period. Two months after taking herbal medicine Alex made for me, my body condition started to change greatly. All problems about my body have been resolved. Alex's skills are very impressive. He can tell my body situation by my pulses. There was a day he was able to know my body's problems without any preliminary conversation. His holistic treatment saved my energetic life. Now, boiling herbs is my routine work. Apricot Grove is worth knocking on the door. I highly recommend it. read more

The BEST massage therapist ever! I love Luna's massages and have been going to her for years. She balances therapeutic work with relaxing techniques so I get total relief and relaxation. And she's an excellent resource for all things holistic - whether it's nutrition, skin care, yoga, body treatments - she knows it all. I get a massage from her every chance I get! read more