May 2026: Women's Wellness Issue

Our May 2026 edition explores Vitality Her Way in a Women’s Wellness issue shaped by the rhythms of spring, renewal and coming back to center. This month, we look at well-being through the small, everyday practices that restore us, from movement and nourishment to nature, gratitude, herbs, sound and moments of quiet connection.

Inside, discover stories on women’s vitality, herbal rituals, sound therapy, spring farmers markets, bird migration, rain gardens, market-fresh asparagus recipes and Illinois trails for biking and hiking. You’ll find voices from national writers, local experts and Chicago-area contributors exploring how wellness can feel practical, personal and deeply rooted in the season.

We also feature Chicago-area events, classes and community resources in our calendars, Community Resource Guide and Energy & Healing Arts Network directories to help you step into May with curiosity and care. Whether you are heading to a farmers market, listening for migrating birds, planting something new or simply looking for a steadier rhythm, this issue invites you to find vitality in your own way.

Agape House Expands Healing Services and Community Partnerships

The Agape House expands healing services through new partnerships across Chicagoland, offering reiki, intuitive readings and energy healing sessions. Founder Tina Santana brings accessible spiritual care to multiple locations, including Sacred Ground, supporting clarity, balance and personal transformation through private sessions and community events. Read More »

Chicago Male Clinic Welcomes New Practitioners in Men’s Health and Wellness

Chicago Male Clinic expands its team with new practitioners, enhancing its holistic approach to men’s health, performance, recovery and longevity. Discover personalized care that integrates medical expertise, lifestyle support and advanced therapies to improve wellness, confidence and overall quality of life. Read More »

Digestive Health Solutions Expands Care at Health Clarified

Digestive Health Solutions expands care through a new collaboration with Health Clarified, offering enhanced digestive health support and access to holistic wellness services. Founder Reneé S. Barasch integrates personalized care with therapies focused on detoxification, circulation and whole-body healing for optimal well-being. Read More »

Educational Corner: Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)

Learn about the Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), a small songbird known for its bright yellow throat and distinctive black mask. Discover its habitat, migration patterns, nesting behavior and unique song, along with key facts about this widespread North American bird and its role in local ecosystems. Read More »

Experience Connection and Growth at Oneness Fest 2026

Join Oneness Fest 2026 near Starved Rock for a three-day immersive journey of healing, connection and personal growth. Featuring yoga, meditation, breathwork and workshops, this community-centered festival supports transformation, inner alignment and meaningful connections in a conscious, nature-based setting designed to inspire renewal and expanded perspectives. Read More »

Explore a Drug-Free Approach to Bone Health in Wilmette

Explore a drug-free approach to bone health at OsteoStrong Wilmette with LIMFA therapy, a noninvasive electromagnetic treatment designed to reduce pain, inflammation and support bone density. Discover how regenerative technology enhances healing, tissue recovery and overall wellness without relying on pharmaceuticals. Read More »

Explore Illinois Trails That Inspire Adventure and Wellness

Explore Illinois trails that inspire adventure, wellness and outdoor connection across Chicagoland and beyond. From scenic routes like the Lakefront Trail to the expansive Grand Illinois Trail, discover hiking and biking paths that promote fitness, nature appreciation and unforgettable travel experiences. Read More »

FireHorse Activation Sessions Combines Meditation and Energy Work at Edgar Cayce Center

Experience FireHorse Activation sessions at the Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, blending meditation and energy work to release blocks and align intentions. Led by Eve Muir-Wilson, this immersive experience supports clarity, purpose and forward momentum through guided visualization, light language activation and personalized insights for continued transformation. Read More »

Herbal Rituals for Women’s Health: Nourishment, Presence and Everyday Integration

Discover how herbal rituals support women’s health through nourishment, stress relief and hormonal balance. Learn how to integrate herbs like nettle, chamomile and dandelion into daily routines, from teas to meals. Embrace simple, mindful practices that promote wellness, presence and a deeper connection to the body and nature. Read More »

How Rain Gardens Reduce Flooding, Filter Pollution and Bring Nature Back

Discover how rain gardens reduce flooding, filter pollutants and restore native habitats in Chicago communities. Learn how these eco-friendly landscapes improve water quality, support pollinators and manage stormwater naturally, while offering practical insights for creating your own rain garden at home for a more sustainable, resilient environment. Read More »

Learn Prenatal Massage Skills This Fall in Evanston

Discover how inner stillness and meditation support spiritual growth, reduce stress and reconnect you with your true self. Inspired by Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings, this article explores mindfulness, soul awareness and practical ways to cultivate peace, clarity and lasting inner transformation in daily life. Read More »

Less Stress, More Calm: An Experiential Evening in Chicago

Experience stress relief and creativity at “More Calm, Less Stress,” an immersive event at Fabrik Chicago. Author Megy Karydes shares science-backed techniques through interactive workshops, helping attendees reduce anxiety, build connection and cultivate calm in everyday life. Read More »

Natural Awakenings Chicago

Letter from the Publisher

Celebrate the scents and renewal of spring while exploring women’s wellness, gratitude, herbal rituals and emerging therapies. Discover seasonal foods, birdwatching benefits and eco-friendly practices like rain gardens. This May issue highlights simple ways to reconnect with nature, restore balance and embrace vitality through mindful, everyday living. Read More »

Midwest Cleanse Celebrates Five Years With a New Moon Wellness Fair in Chicago

Celebrate five years of Midwest Cleanse at a New Moon Wellness Fair in Chicago. Explore holistic services like colon hydrotherapy, nutrition and fitness, meet local practitioners and discover personalized care options. This community event offers relaxation, education and a chance to experience wellness modalities supporting overall health and renewal. Read More »

Health Clarified women's holistic facial

Relax, Recharge and Reset With Mother’s Day Wellness Special

Treat mom to a relaxing Mother’s Day wellness experience at Health Clarified in Northbrook. This limited-time package includes detox foot soak, red light therapy or energy session, infrared sauna and a customized facial. Designed to recharge and restore, it also features bonus perks, making it a perfect self-care gift. Read More »

Spring Farmers Market Pasta With Fresh Asparagus and Peas

Celebrate farmers market season with a fresh spring pasta recipe featuring asparagus, peas and herbs. Created by the Illinois Farmers Market Association, this simple, seasonal dish highlights local ingredients, healthy eating and easy preparation—perfect for enjoying vibrant flavors while supporting local farmers and community markets. Read More »

Spring Market Finds: Ramps, Asparagus, Leafy Greens and More

Discover spring farmers market favorites like ramps, asparagus, leafy greens and strawberries. Learn how seasonal weather impacts availability, plus tips for selecting and storing fresh produce. Explore what’s in season, from early crops to hothouse-grown heirloom tomatoes, and make the most of local market finds all season long. Read More »

Step Into Nature and Recharge at Spring Grove Wellness Retreat

Reconnect with nature at the Body & Mind Retreat in Spring Grove, a full-day wellness experience featuring yoga, nutrition, stress management and holistic health insights. Enjoy a peaceful setting, expert-led sessions and a vibrant vendor market, all designed to support relaxation, learning and personal renewal for mind-body balance. Read More »

Support Greater Energy and Alignment Through Complimentary Consultations

Explore personalized energy healing with Joann Lysiak’s free 20-minute Zoom consultations. Discover how chakra balancing, energy testing and holistic modalities can help release blocks, reduce stress and support alignment with your goals. Gain clarity, elevate your vibration and move toward a more balanced, empowered and fulfilling life. Read More »

The Body Bath: When Sound Becomes Touch

Explore vibroacoustic therapy and how low-frequency sound vibrations can be felt throughout the body. Learn how this emerging practice may reduce stress, ease tension and support nervous system regulation. Discover the science behind sound as sensation and how it’s transforming modern wellness and deep relaxation experiences. Read More »

The Grateful Brain

Discover how gratitude rewires the brain, reduces stress and supports emotional resilience. Learn the science behind dopamine, serotonin and cortisol, plus simple practices to cultivate thankfulness—even during hardship. Explore how gratitude, memory and grief work together to improve mental well-being, deepen connection and restore balance in everyday life. Read More »

Train for a Career in Reflexology This Summer

Start a rewarding career in reflexology with a 300-hour certification program in Chicagoland. This hybrid course covers anatomy, techniques and client assessment, preparing students for a growing wellness field. Learn from an experienced practitioner through hands-on training, flexible classes and personalized coaching designed for professional success. Read More »

Wings and Wonder: The Healing Effects of Birdwatching

Discover the healing benefits of birdwatching for mental health, stress relief and cognitive function. Inspired by research and experts from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this article explores how mindful birding, nature connection and everyday encounters with birds can boost well-being and support emotional resilience. Read More »

World Migratory Bird Day Highlights Spring Bird Migration Through Chicago

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and explore spring bird migration through Chicago along the Mississippi Flyway. Learn how millions of birds travel overhead, why populations are declining and how simple actions—like reducing light pollution and supporting habitats—can help protect migratory species and support conservation efforts. Read More »

Strong, Centered and Whole: Women That Inspire Us To Thrive

Women leaders share how self-care, community and purpose-driven habits foster resilience, balance and sustainable well-being in a demanding world. Read More »

Stop Trying and Start Doing: A Conversation With Carla Ondrasik

Life coach Carla Ondrasik argues that action—not intention—drives success, with small, decisive steps helping overcome fear, procrastination and anxiety. Read More »

More Than Soup: Lentils as a Modern Wellness Staple

Lentils offer sustainable, protein-rich nutrition with benefits for heart health, digestion and energy, emerging as a versatile staple in modern plant-based diets. Read More »

Zesty Fiesta Mushroom-Lentil “Chorizo” Taco Bowl

Savory mushroom-lentil “chorizo” layered with rice, avocado and fresh toppings creates a bold, plant-based taco bowl packed with smoky flavor. Read More »

Super Greens and Beans Detox Salad

A vibrant mix of lentils, leafy greens and crisp vegetables meets creamy ginger dressing for a nutrient-dense, satisfying detox-inspired bowl. Read More »

Mediterranean Lentil Power Salad

Tender lentils tossed with cucumber, tomatoes and herbs deliver a bright, zesty salad that deepens in flavor and makes an ideal make-ahead meal. Read More »

Creamy Red Lentil Garlic Dip

Silky red lentils blended with tahini, garlic and lemon create a rich, protein-packed dip that pairs effortlessly with fresh vegetables or warm pita. Read More »

Rediscovering Fun

Play and lighthearted activities restore joy, reduce stress and support emotional health, countering modern habits that suppress natural human tendencies toward fun. Read More »

Wings and Wonder: The Healing Effects of Birdwatching

Birdwatching boosts mental health, cognitive function and emotional resilience, with research linking nature observation to reduced stress and improved well-being. Read More »

Hip Health in Just Minutes a Day: A Simple, Empowering Practice

Daily 10-minute routines combining strength and mobility exercises can ease hip pain, improve flexibility and counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and aging. Read More »

Pelvic Power: Restoring Strength, Function and Confidence

Pelvic floor health underpins core strength, continence and confidence, with dynamic exercises, breathwork and microbiome care key to preventing common disorders. Read More »

Lessons for Young Female Athletes: How To Support Resilience, Agency and Joy

Girls’ sports participation declines amid pressure and perfectionism, with experts emphasizing resilience, identity beyond performance and joy to prevent burnout and dropout. Read More »

Holistic Weight Management for Cats: Tips to Improve Nutrition and Encourage Physical Activity

Rising feline obesity is linked to diet and inactivity, with experts urging protein-rich nutrition, portion control and environmental enrichment to support long-term cat health. Read More »

Cognitive Benefits of Caffeine

Long-term studies link moderate coffee and tea consumption to reduced dementia risk and improved cognitive performance, highlighting caffeine’s neuroprotective potential. Read More »

Dark Chocolate Linked to Slower Aging

Compounds in dark chocolate may influence biological aging markers, though researchers emphasize moderation and the need for further study. Read More »

Deeper Awareness Through Dance

The 5Rhythms movement practice blends meditation and intuitive dance to support emotional release, mindfulness and mind-body connection. Read More »

Promise and Pitfalls of Biological-Age Tests

Promise and Pitfalls of Biological-Age Tests Emerging biological-age tests show potential for tracking aging, though experts caution that current methods lack consistency and clinical reliability. Read More »

Handy Heart-Risk Calculator

A new risk calculator integrates cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic data to help predict heart disease and guide early prevention strategies. Read More »

Organic Sales on the Rise

U.S. organic product sales surged in 2025, reflecting growing consumer demand for healthier, environmentally conscious food and goods. Read More »

Fossil May Be Extinct Life Form

Mysterious prototaxites fossils may represent a previously unknown, extinct branch of life, reshaping understanding of early Earth ecosystems. Read More »

Race to Save the Northern White Rhino

Scientists advance IVF techniques to rescue the nearly extinct northern white rhino, with only two females remaining under protection in Kenya. Read More »

Solar-Powered Hydrogen Reactor

New photocatalyst technology uses solar energy to split water into hydrogen fuel, signaling a potential breakthrough in scalable, low-cost clean energy production. Read More »

Night-Vision Contact Lenses

Experimental contact lenses enable near-infrared vision in darkness, offering potential applications in medicine, rescue operations and security without bulky equipment. Read More »

Giving an Old Bike New Life

Eco-friendly bicycling habits extend beyond riding, with tune-ups, resale, donation and creative upcycling offering sustainable ways to reduce waste and keep bikes in use. Read More »