Don’t Worry, Be Healthy

Keeping Fit

Exercise trends for 2024 include group exercise classes, virtual reality gyms and all manner of outdoor pursuits, with Nordic walking being among the most interesting – and accessible. Described by Harvard Health as combining “cardiovascular exercise with a vigorous muscle workout for your shoulders, arms, core, and legs” it’s said to engage up to 90% of our muscles and burn up to nearly 70% more calories than regular walking. Originating in Finland in the 20th century, the activity was initially created as a summer training method for cross-country skiers. Poles are used to propel the walker forward, engaging the upper body muscles as well as the legs to result in a more intense workout. Another benefit of Nordic walking is its low impact on joints, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get outside, and get social!

Dental

Of course, dental care should never be simply a trend, but if you have been neglecting your teeth, then why not make this the year to get them fixed? Whitening, a non-invasive treatment, improves the colour of natural tooth enamel by removing mild to moderate stains from tooth enamel while also strengthening it. Modern, spa-like dental clinics now offer all manner of distractions for anxious patients, from sedation to soothing music to movies and TV shows, and even virtual reality goggles! And remember, dental care isn’t just about oral health – it reaches well beyond the mouth, benefiting everything from the digestive system to the heart to respiratory health and even diabetes management.

Nutrition Infusions

Nutrient infusions, also known as intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy or IV drip therapy, involve delivering vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous drip. Bypassing the digestive system, it enables higher absorption rates and faster delivery of nutrients. The infusions can be customised to include the likes of vitamins C and B, magnesium, calcium, and amino acids. The therapy is said to boost energy, support immune function, promote hydration, and aid in recovery from illness or strenuous activity. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing nutrient infusion therapy to ensure safety and effectiveness, as well as to determine the appropriate combination and dosage of nutrients for individual health goals and needs.

Pilates

So often lumped in with yoga, pilates is an uber-worthwhile exercise system all of its own. The holistic practice, developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century and first embraced by the dance and sports communities, focuses on core strength, flexibility, and body awareness by way of emphasising precise movements, controlled breathing, and body alignment. Practised on mats or specialised equipment, the activity helps improve posture, coordination, and stability with minimal risk of injury with benefits extending way beyond the physical – expect to experience a reduction in stress and improvement in mental wellbeing too. Pilates isn’t just popular with women, either, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, a quarter of participants are now men, compared with 16% in 2017. 

Cold Plunge Therapy

The king – or queen – of the current crop of wellness trends but brace yourself: cold plunge therapy does exactly what it says on the tin! Though spas are the most obvious place to, er, dip your toes into this therapy, a cold plunge can also be done for free in the ocean or an at-home ice bath or cold shower. Benefits include decreased inflammation and swelling, promotion of lymphatic drainage, accelerated metabolism, improved circulation, and stress relief. Plus, there’s the satisfaction of accomplishing something that is – at first at least – extremely challenging, which will also likely have a positive effect on your confidence in other areas of life. (As with many treatments, speak to your GP before indulging in a cold plunge as it could cause problems for those with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.)

Lymphatic Drainage Facials

A lot more relaxing than the previous listing, we predict lymphatic drainage facials to be another popular pick for the year ahead. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in removing waste and toxins from the body, and lymphatic drainage can help improve circulation, reduce puffiness and swelling, and promote overall skin health. The treatment involves a gentle massage technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system around the face and neck area, which many believe not only targets puffiness around the eyes but also sculpts the jawline while enhancing overall skin tone and texture. Research has also shown that this type of facial can reduce swelling after surgery and also help with conditions such as acne and eczema, and even digestive disorders.

Seaweed Baths

Seaweed has been noted for its nutritional and beauty benefits since antiquity, but seaweed baths specifically are centuries-old Celtic tradition – and, according to the Irish Independent, “Ireland’s only indigenous spa therapy”! The practice involves taking a soak in a tub of warm water infused with seaweed or seaweed extract. The nutrient-rich marine plant leaches its goodness into the warm, soothing bathwater, alleviating stress and tension while drawing out toxins and simultaneously hydrating the skin. Other benefits include improved circulation and rejuvenation of the skin to promote a youthful, healthy appearance. For added health and relaxation benefits, consider adding some Epsom salts or essential oils.

Balneotherapy

Another ancient treatment – sometimes referred to as hydrotherapy – balneotherapy uses submersion in warm mineral water as a method of treating aches, pains, and disorders such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle and joint pain, skin disorders, and stress-related issues.  In addition to soaking in mineral-rich water, balneotherapy may also involve other therapeutic activities such as underwater massage, mud packs, sauna sessions, and hydrotherapy exercises. Cleopatra was a big fan of the therapy – whose name comes from the Latin, balnea, meaning ‘baths’ – and famously travelled to the Dead Sea to soak in its mineral rich waters, with other notable historical examples including the supposed miraculous waters of Lourdes in France, the Roman bath in British spa town, bath, and, and closer to home, Aotearoa’s spa town of Rotorua.

Beer Bath Hydrotherapy

Perhaps the most fun sounding treatment on the list – and one that is surprisingly old – beer bath hydrotherapy has been a thing since for centuries, originating in the Czech capital, Prague. But it’s not simply a case of pouring a case of your favourite craft brew into a tub but more a case of kicking back in a concoction akin to a ‘beer tea’, rich in the likes of hops, malt and yeast. According to the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, beer ingredients “contain an abundance of polyphenols… shown to possess various anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-angiogenic, anti-melanogenic, anti-osteoporotic and anti-carcinogenic effects”. Such properties are said to leave the skin rejuvenated, the muscles relaxed, circulation improved, and more. Make a note of this one in for Father’s Day!

Touchless Spa Treatments

Though they’ve been around a while, touchless spa treatments have gained considerable traction post pandemic – for obvious reasons. Perhaps the most well-known touchless therapy is reiki – from the Japanese rei (‘universal’) and ki (life energy) – which centres around removing harmful energies, reducing pain, and speeding healing. Sound therapy – or sound healing – uses the vibrations of voices or ancient instruments like tuning forks or Tibetan singing bowls to relieve stress; floating therapy suspends clients in a womb-like saltwater tank for the ultimate in sensory-deprived relaxation; while salt therapy – or halotherapy – involves inhaling salty air in a salt cave or salt room to help with respiratory and skin issues. More high-tech touchless treatments include infrared saunas, which heat the body through infrared light to for detoxification and improved circulation, and even virtual relaxation therapy which uses headsets to immerse clients in a relaxing environment of their choosing.

Colonic hydrotherapy

Traditionally known as colonic irrigation or colon cleansing, colonic hydrotherapy is a procedure to flush toxins and waste buildup from your large intestine. Another therapy that dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt, this procedure is now done with warm, sterile, filtered water, with other benefits such as helping with the likes of constipation, diarrhoea, and mild haemorrhoids. Many clients find this a comfortable – even relaxing – experience that will leave them feeling refreshed and invigorated, with some reporting ongoing positive effects such as improved digestion, better skin, flatter stomachs, and less fatigue. Though some studios offer self-managed sessions, the treatment is always overseen by a highly trained technician and should never be attempted at home.

Thai Massage

Few massages hit the spot quite like the Thai version! Thai massage – sometimes called Thai yoga massage – is a traditional healing art that combines elements of yoga, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine to provide a unique therapeutic experience. Skilled practitioners use their hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, and feet to apply pressure along energy lines and specific points on the body. The practitioner may also incorporate passive stretching, joint mobilisation, and rhythmic compression techniques to release tension, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation. Thai massage is believed to help balance the body’s energy systems, known as sen lines in Thai medicine, and to stimulate the flow of vital energy, or prana – 2,500 years of history can’t be wrong! As well as the physical benefits, this treatment can help manage stress, and research has even shown it to help patients recover from strokes faster.

Gold Massage

The health benefits and antimicrobial properties of gold (and other precious metals like silver and platinum) have been long documented, with Ancient Chinese doctors and Indian Ayurvedic practitioners encouraging the ingestion of gold flakes. More recently, gold injections have even been used to treat – though not cure – rheumatoid arthritis. So, it’s little wonder that gold has also found its place in therapy rooms. Gold massage uses gold-infused oils and tonics to improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, improve circulation, and impart a radiant glow to the skin by way of facials and body massage.

Waterless Pedicures

Also know as dry pedicures, waterless pedicures are said to be both more hygienic and better for your nails than the traditional practice. Rather than first soaking the feet in water this method focuses on dry techniques and specialised products to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise, and beautify those tootsies! During the procedure, the feet are typically cleaned using a gentle cleanser or wipe, followed by exfoliation and cuticle care, nail trimming, shaping, buffing, and moisturising. Not only is this pedicure better for the client, it’s better for the salon and the environment also, saving up to 50 litres per treatment. It’s also faster, and, some believe, more effective as the products can penetrate the skin more effectively without the dilution of water.