From Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage to Ayurvedic therapies in India, each culture has developed its own way of promoting balance and wellbeing. Verve explores some of the most fascinating from around the globe.
TEMAZCAL, MEXICO
Used for millennia, the Mesoamerican wellness ritual temazcal – which means ‘house of heat’ in Nahuatl Aztec – is now more commonly knows as the Mexican sweat lodge. Said to cleanse the mind, the body and the soul, the detoxification ritual traditionally involves sitting in an igloo-like structure that’s heated with volcanic stones and scented by fresh, therapeutic herbs as a spiritual leader recites prayers. Modern temazcals are a more communal experience, accommodating 15-20 people with a cool shower or plunge pool to follow. Various studies have shown that the ritual benefits skin and mental health and even support women during childbirth.
SHINRIN-YOKU, JAPAN
Everyone agrees that nothing soothes the senses quite like nature. The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or ‘forest bathing’, turns a simple stroll in the woods into a journey of healing and self-discovery. Mindfulness reimagined, participants are encouraged to be present in the moment, taking in everything from the movement of the trees to the rustling of the foliage, the sound of birdsong, and the woody scents. Just like meditation, forest bathing is said to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost creativity. What’s more, it’s free! Unlike so many of Japan’s fascinating ancient traditions, you’ll no doubt be surprised to learn that this one was developed in the 80s.
AYURVEDA, INDIA
The purpose of the ancient Indian healing system of ayurveda is to address and restore individuals’ unique energies, or ‘doshas’, that are responsible for our mental and physical wellbeing. Dating back more than 3,000 years, the philosophy dictates that when one area of the body is out of balance, then it can affect all energies, and uses a holistic approach as a fix. Ayurveda practitioners utilise the likes of pranayama (breathwork), yoga, herbal remedies, and abhyanga (a hot oil massage), supporting detoxification, reducing stress, enhancing disease resistance and promoting harmony and balance to your life force.
LOMI LOMI, HAWAI’I
Lomi lomi, which translates to ‘rub rub’, is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses a combination of massage techniques, nut oils, and sometimes elements of prayer, breathing and dance to restore energy and soothe the body. Though it may seem similar to other bodywork techniques, its spiritual foundations – thought to have originated from Polynesian settlers – brings a whole new, profound angle. Continuous, flowing strokes help release old patterns and stored tensions, as local belief holds that memories reside in every single cell of the body, not just the mind. Also referred to as ‘the loving hands massage’, it’s said to embody the Hawaiian spirit.
PERENIE AND BANYA, RUSSIA
The centuries-old bathing practice of perenie is a Russian ritual that takes place in a banya. Not unlike a sauna – but with a humid rather than dry heat – the hydrating, detoxification experience involves being massaged by a bundle of birch or oak twigs known as a venik which is said to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and open pores for deep cleansing. A typical session involves breaking up the intense heat session with a cold pool plunge or even a roll in the snow and is usually followed by a communal feast of traditional foods like dumplings, pickles (and maybe vodka!).
HAMMAM, TURKEY
The hammam – which translates as ‘spreader of warmth’ – has been a cornerstone of Turkish culture for well over a thousand years, thought to have been developed following the introduction of the steam bath by the Romans. This most soothing of rituals isn’t just about physical wellness – think a soak, a sauna and a full body scrub – but a chance to relax, bond and connect with fellow guests. What’s more, hammams are often situated in spectacular old buildings with marble interiors beneath decorated dome roofs.
Supreme Spas!
The world’s greatest retreats, as named by the World Spa Awards…
Alpine Spa at Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa (Switzerland): the world’s best hotel spa boasts 10,000sqm with five pools, saunas, a relaxation room, and elevated views of Lake Lucerne.
Palazzo Fiuggi (Italy): the world’s best wellness retreat fuses deepest holistic traditions with advanced traditional Western medicine amid a breathtaking natural setting long renowned for its healing waters.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental (Morocco): positioned in the wondrous Marrakech, the world’s best resort spa provides the perfect escape
for relaxation and renewal by way of a variety of luxurious treatments.
WORLD Spa (USA): the New York-based world’s best day spa is an enchanting urban retreat that boasts Eastern European banyas, Finnish saunas, and Moroccan hammams.
