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January 2026: Whole-Person Health & Wellness

January marks the beginning of Natural Awakenings Chicago’s 2026 journey through Wellness Made Easy, starting with a whole-person approach to health and well-being.

This issue explores how wellness comes together across mind, body, food, movement and environment, without the pressure of drastic new year resolutions. We examine integrative medicine, functional fitness, conscious eating and intention-setting that supports lasting change through realistic, everyday practices you can apply in your own life.

We also focus on our local Chicago area community, highlighting winter farmers markets, seed swaps, ecological restoration, community wellness resources and seasonal nature cues that invite you to slow down and stay connected. You’ll also find an extensive local calendar featuring classes, workshops, gatherings and events across the Chicago area that support everyday well-being and community connection.

January’s issue sets the tone for the year ahead, inviting you to build wellness gradually, thoughtfully and in ways that truly fit your life.



Agape House Expands to New Cook County Location in 2026
Agape House expands in 2026 with a new holistic wellness location in Berwyn, Cook County, while continuing services in Wheaton. The new site offers energy work, spiritual healing, and community support, increasing access to programs that foster restoration, connection, and compassionate care for local practitioners and residents. Read More »
Camino Wellness Center: A Sanctuary for Self-Care
Discover Camino Wellness Center in Wheeling, a serene sanctuary for acupuncture, meditation, and self-inquiry. Restore mind, body, and energy while reducing stress, boosting emotional well-being, and connecting with your inner depth through immersive workshops, retreats, and personalized healing sessions. Read More »
Conquering Fear Book Cover
Conquering Fear Provides Practical, Science-Backed Path Forward
Explore Conquering Fear by Dr. Vadim Dekhtyar of Glenview’s Life Balance Clinic—a science-backed guide offering practical tools to overcome fear, anxiety, and inner blocks, rewire the brain, and reclaim confidence with step-by-step strategies and relatable insights. Read More »
Enter 2026 Feeling Lighter and Brighter
Start 2026 feeling lighter with Midwest Cleanse in Chicago. Experience colon hydrotherapy, infrared sauna, ionic foot baths and the Rooted in Wellness event for whole-body renewal. Read More »
The Great Seed and Soil Event
Explore the Expanded Great Seed Event at McHenry County College
Discover the expanded Great Seed (and Soil!) Event at McHenry County College with free seeds, expert talks, composting tips, kids’ activities and gardening inspiration on February 7. Read More »
Feel Strong All Season With Winter Acupuncture Care from Nirvana
Stay resilient this winter with Nirvana Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine in Deerfield. Boost immunity, ease tension, and restore energy with acupuncture, herbal therapy, and integrative treatments for overall seasonal wellness. Read More »
Rebecca Robbins
Heal Triggers and Rewire Emotional Patterns for an Improved Mindset
Transform your mindset with Rebecca Robbins, Ph.D., at Belief Redesign in Chicago. Using neuroscience-based techniques like tapping, reframing, and memory reconsolidation, she helps rewire emotional patterns, reduce anxiety, and break negative cycles for lasting change and improved emotional well-being. Read More »
Lino Brescia
Learn and Practice Ancient Egyptian Energy Forms
Explore ancient Egyptian energy forms at Edgar Cayce Holistic Center in Des Plaines. Learn movement, breathwork and Ka energy practices to support balance, intuition and well-being. Read More »
Ravinia Farmers Market logo
Ravinia Winter Farmers Market Returns at Two Indoor Locations
Shop local all winter at the Ravinia Winter Farmers Market with two cozy indoor locations in Highland Park, featuring fresh foods, artisan goods and community vibes from January to April. Read More »
Step Into Restorative Wellness at Ash & Willow
Discover restorative wellness at Ash & Willow Eco Salons with January empowerment circles, Reiki, yoga, sound healing and sustainable beauty experiences in Park Ridge and Barrington. Read More »
2026 Chicago Area Seed Swap Guide: Sharing Seeds, Growing Community
Discover Chicago-area seed swaps and National Seed Swap Day events in 2026, bringing gardeners together to share seeds, preserve plant diversity and grow community all winter long. Read More »
As Northern Landscapes Freeze, Chicago Welcomes Seasonal Songbirds
Discover winter birding in the Chicago region, from dark-eyed juncos and American tree sparrows to red-breasted nuthatches, plus tips on where and how to spot them. Read More »
Kim Henderson
Begin a Wellness Journey From the Inside Out
Discover how genetics, early development, and structural factors like tongue ties influence lifelong wellness, and how proactive care can support brain, nervous system, and whole health. Read More »
Bison Return to Kane County Prairie After More Than 200 Years
American bison return to Kane County’s Burlington Prairie after 200+ years, marking a major conservation milestone that restores prairie ecosystems and reconnects Native culture, land, and wildlife. Read More »
Create a Flavorful Frittata With Winter Market Selections
Create a flavorful winter farmers market frittata with eggs, spinach, mushrooms and cheese. This easy recipe highlights seasonal ingredients and supports local food year-round. Read More »
Northern Cardinal
Educational Corner: Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Bright red northern cardinals light up Midwestern winters. Learn about their expanding range, nesting habits, songs and fascinating behaviors in yards and woodlands. Read More »
Natural Awakenings Chicago
Letter from the Publisher
Welcome the New Year with reflections on winter’s quiet beauty, whole-person wellness and community connection in this January Letter from the Publisher of Natural Awakenings Chicago. Read More »
Strong for Life: The Power of Functional Fitness
Functional fitness supports strength, balance and mobility at any age, helping reduce pain, improve daily movement and build lifelong health without intense workouts. Read More »
Ten Natural Food Product Trends That Reflect How We Shop and Eat This Year
Discover 10 natural food product trends shaping how we shop and eat this year, from conscious consumption and protein innovation to fiber, global flavors and AI-driven discovery. Read More »
The Power of Integrative Medicine: A Guide to Whole-Person Care
Integrative medicine combines conventional and evidence-based complementary therapies to support whole-person health, prevention and personalized care for chronic and complex conditions. Read More »
The Rise of Transformational Travel
Explore the rise of transformational travel and why wellness journeys are becoming the modern reset, blending nature, intention and healing experiences for deep renewal. Read More »
What Adults Need to Know About How to Help Us Teens
Teens share a powerful call to action for parents and adults on reducing screen addiction, improving teen mental health and modeling healthy habits for mind, body and soul. Read More »
Jerry Garcia, PA-C; Raymond Wohl, BA, MA; and Pedro Azcona, M.D.
Why Men Can’t Afford to Delay Preventive Care
Men often delay preventive care, risking undiagnosed heart disease and hormonal issues. Learn why early checkups, labs, and proactive care are essential for long-term vitality, confidence, and overall men’s health. Read More »
Winter Farmers Markets Keep Local Food on the Table Year-Round
Explore how winter farmers markets across Illinois keep local food thriving year-round, supporting farmers, artisans and communities while offering fresh, seasonal products indoors. Read More »
Dean Mitchell on Conquering Candida
Dr. Dean Mitchell outlines a 30-day protocol using diet, antifungals and immunotherapy to address candida overgrowth and restore gut and immune health. Read More »
Soulful Sourdough: Why This Bread Still Heals
With gut-friendly fermentation and deep cultural roots, sourdough bread nourishes both body and spirit, offering digestibility and timeless emotional comfort. Read More »
Sourdough Cinnamon Cardamom Buns
These pillowy buns feature a spiced swirl of cinnamon and cardamom, finished with cream cheese frosting for a tender, aromatic treat that elevates any morning. Read More »
Everyday Sourdough Loaf With Honey
A gently sweetened, beginner-friendly sourdough made with whole wheat, honey and a slow ferment for a soft, versatile loaf that fits any day of the week. Read More »
French Onion Sourdough
Savory caramelized onions, raw milk Gruyère and fresh chives transform this artisan loaf into a richly layered, French bistro–inspired sourdough experience. Read More »
Baby Steps to a Life Well Lived
Gentle, consistent habits—like 10 minutes of self-care or weekly creative time—offer a sustainable path to growth without the pressure of resolutions. Read More »
Clean, Nonstick Cookware: Transforming the Kitchen for Human and Planetary Health
Concerns over PFAS in cookware are prompting a shift toward cast iron, stainless steel and true ceramic for safer cooking and reduced toxic exposure. Read More »
Intergenerational Living: A Healing Model for Families and Communities
Rising multigenerational households are restoring cultural traditions, mutual care and emotional richness while offering a healing model for modern family life. Read More »
Big Dreams, Little Hands: Vision Boards and Focus Wheels That Nurture Childhood Development
Creative tools like vision boards and focus wheels help children build emotional awareness, regulate feelings and align with goals through self-expression and mindfulness. Read More »
Holistic Health From Nose to Tail: Whole-Pet Strategies for Optimized Well-Being
Whole-pet wellness blends clean nutrition, daily movement and emotional care to support physical and energetic balance for happier, healthier animal companions. Read More »
Hazardous Release of Microplastics From Baby Food Containers
Plastic baby food packaging releases millions of microplastics under normal use and billions when microwaved, raising urgent safety concerns for infants. Read More »
Natural Propolis Mouthwash Outperforms Synthetic Counterpart
A clinical trial shows propolis mouthwash significantly reduced plaque and gum inflammation, outperforming synthetic chlorhexidine without harsh side effects. Read More »
Reducing Anxiety With Virtual Sound Therapy
A small study finds virtual biofield tuning sessions reduced anxiety and emotional stress, pointing to sound-based therapies as low-risk mental health tools. Read More »
Exercise Beats Sauna at Heavy-Metal Detoxification
Exercise-induced sweat eliminates more heavy metals than sauna sessions, suggesting movement may be more effective for internal detoxification. Read More »
Antioxidant May Protect Heart During Chemotherapy
Astaxanthin shows promise in reducing heart damage from doxorubicin chemotherapy, protecting mitochondria and improving heart function in early lab studies. Read More »
Indigenous Farming Meets Modern Technology
In Ethiopia, the Agaw people merge traditional soil practices with solar-powered irrigation to adapt to climate change while protecting biodiversity. Read More »
How Whales Contribute to Coastal Ecosystems
Migrating whales deposit nutrients at breeding grounds, enhancing coastal marine life and cycling biomass from nutrient-rich feeding areas. Read More »
Webb Telescope Finds Hidden Moon of Uranus
NASA's Webb Telescope discovered a tiny new moon orbiting Uranus, revealing how far infrared technology can go in uncovering our solar system’s secrets. Read More »
Fast-Growing Microforests Boost Climate Resilience
Dense urban microforests in New Jersey cool city heat, reduce flooding and match mature trees in carbon storage—all within just five years. Read More »
New Tech Tracks Monarch Butterflies in Real Time
Tiny solar-powered trackers now monitor monarch butterflies' migration routes via smartphones, offering vital data to aid conservation efforts. Read More »
Simple Habits for the Greenest Year Yet
Small changes like composting, shorter showers and plant-based meals offer big gains in cutting waste, lowering emissions and improving health for a more sustainable future. Read More »
Natural Awakenings Chicago January 2026 cover showing runners in a snowy winter setting.
January 2026: Whole-Person Health & Wellness
January’s Natural Awakenings Chicago issue focuses on Whole-Person Health & Wellness, with practical stories on integrative care, food, movement, nature and community to support everyday well-being. Read More »
In-Print January 2026

Juy 2026 Issue - Good Vibes, Great Outdoors

Read It Now

Natural Awakenings Chicago July 2026 magazine cover featuring fresh strawberries with the headline “Good Vibes, Great Outdoors” and stories on outdoor wellness, pickleball fitness, vibrant summer salads, sustainable backyard water features and exploring Indiana Dunes.
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