Jennifer Berg

After a nasty bout with the postpartum blues, Trisha Kaufman was gently nudged into the pursuit of happiness: "My husband just said: `you have to do something with this negative energy!'" she confesses. Wary of help-in-a-bottle, Trisha sought out alternative means to snag herself some joy: "It's hard for me to grasp why people trust something that's been FDA-approved for six months instead of things like Reiki or yoga that have been healing people for thousands of years," she muses. However, don't expect to see Kaufman jumping on couches anytime soon: "People really have to do what works for them," she says, "and I would never look down on anyone for taking antidepressants."

For those not quite ready for a prescription (or--for that matter--for anyone who needs a good day of preening and pampering) Trisha and her partner Jay Holtman recently opened Tsubo, 1821 West Hubbard, (312)492-8490, a mind-body-and-spirit-focused spa that Trisha lovingly refers to as "a banquet hall of wellness."

Expect a healing buffet that includes something to soothe any ailment: For men with ingrown-hair issues, there's the men's facial. Folks having trouble with headaches or allergies will love ear candling, a process that draws pollutants and wax buildup out of the ear, relieving pressure in the head. In Tsubo's light-flooded main room, guests get gussied up with hair and manicure treatments. An intimate room boasting a star-covered floor hosts exercise classes: Amongst other stress-and-calorie busters, Tusbo offers Nia, a gentle combination of tai chi, martial arts, yoga and dance.

Ultimately, Trisha and Jay hope that Tsubo will be a kind of wellness destination, where guests can spend the whole day getting happy: "I see this as a place where people can come to unwind, get some treatments or just share a glass of wine with us," Trisha says.

(2006-03-28)

Also by Jennifer Berg

Studded Studs
Feeling antisocial? Don't wear anything designed by Tracey Mayer, local jewelry guru
(2006-03-14)

Open for Business
A stylish home works much like a chic outfit: adding the right accoutrements heightens the fashion flavor and shows off exquisite taste
(2006-01-17)

Open for Business
There is one universal shopping truth: looking for the perfect pair of jeans is only a little less painful than, say, watching W address the nation
(2005-11-21)

Open for Business
Oh, the hassles of lakeside living. There are flyaways to smooth, blemishes to conceal, chapped extremities to soften
(2005-11-08)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment