Cultivating Wellness
Cultivating Wellness
Stevie Ellis
My Local Press
Wellness has become a billion-dollar industry filled with supplements, diets, nutrition trends and most recently, the glp-1, commonly known as Ozempic. These methods of wellness, which are tied to Western and modern practices, often leave people feeling unfulfilled and unbalanced because they only treat the symptoms to a problematic world. Wellness, however, is not a modern invention. From Finnish saunas to Japanese Shinrin-yoku, there are other ways to reach wellness of mind, body and spirit. Rituals from different parts of the world can help us slow down and reconnect with our bodies and balance our minds so that wellness becomes a way of life instead of a quick fix. Many cultures have something different to offer us everyday people than the weight loss fads and vitamin crazes of our modern world.
One way this is done is through the practice of cupping therapy. Cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese medicinal practice whose goal is to restore the balance of energy (or Qi) within the body. It is believed that the disruption of Qi can cause pain, tension, and even illness. Using heat as a vacuum the cups gently increase blood flow and loosen connective tissue which stimulates the healing process. By invigorating localized circulation of qi and blood, practitioners believe cupping can resolve swelling, pain and tension within muscle groups by drawing impurities and toxins to the surface. Medicine.net says “Numerous athletes from the Olympics in Rio 2016 used cupping.” This practice of balancing the energies in the body suggests that true wellness and happiness come from balance and connection to the body.
In Native American tradition, smudging is another way to align and cleanse the bodies energy and bring connection to people, places and objects. If you find yourself at a powwow you might see plant herbs and resins burning in a clay pot or shelled bowl while prayers are said around them. This practice is not only believed to purify and strengthen the spirit, but it also brings entire communities together, “For reference, most of the herbs that are used to smudge have antiseptic features, meaning when burned, they legitimately do purify the air.” (Native American Smudging). Humans are known to be social creatures and thus community has long been an important aspect of wellness to the native tribes.
Another important aspect within Native American culture is connection with nature. The Haide and Tlingit tribes in Alaska and British Colombia are famous for their enormous totem poles that are carved directly from the red cedar trees in their coastal environment. Through the practice of creating totem poles, they preserve culture, honor family and tribal relationships, and foster a deep connection with nature. The University of Chicago says that nature enhances physical, mental and emotional well-being, and that “…spending more time outside can strengthen immune systems and eyesight...” These rituals show us that by incorporating nature, connection and purification into our lives, we can bring ourselves balance and true wellness.
The Finnish don’t just use saunas for sweating. They are relaxing, meditating and connecting with their communities and families, making the sauna an integral part of life. In Finland the sauna represents a sacred space and is often called a ‘church of nature’. Families often use the sauna to slow down and let go of the outside world. Modern research often tells us the benefits of detoxing via sweating but the enduring popularity of the sauna over centuries might suggest the true benefits and value lies in the ability to retreat, albeit for a short period, away from the world and into ourselves. The sauna is so popular and important to Finland that according to UNESCO there are 3.3 million saunas for a population of 5.5 million inhabitants, allowing their citizens to easily access much-needed balance in their lives. Perhaps that’s why Finland is considered the happiest place on earth!
Japan they have another way to retreat and relax with their tradition of forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku. Developed in the 1980s, Shinrin-yoku encourages participants to immerse themselves in nature. In these beautiful examples of mindfulness, people walk slowly through paths in the forest taking in everything around them. Japanese doctors even promote forest bathing as a means to relax and take a break from fast-paced urban life. In recent years it has become a vital part of preventative healthcare in Japan. The result, doctors say “…improves sleep quality, mood, ability to focus and stress levels” (Shinrin-yoku). Encouraged to leave their phones at home, participants start to notice the scent of the Japanese cedar trees and feel the texture of the bark. They hear sounds of the native fowl and the wind whispering through the leaves. They inhale the peace of the moment and exhale the struggles of daily life, letting go of worldly struggles in order to find peace within the present moment. This practice reflects the belief that wellness comes from balance, not just from constant activity.
When looking at these rituals altogether, they reveal a common truth. That even though they come from different cultures, histories and beliefs, they all encourage us to slow down and be present in our daily lives. Cupping focuses on restoration, while smudging emphasizes cleansing. Saunas provide space for meaningful reflection and connection while forest bathing promotes mindfulness through immersion in nature. While none of these are a quick fix and don’t promise overnight transformation, they do suggest that wellness is something that we must incorporate into our lives. It is something that we cultivate for ourselves through consistency.
These traditions come from vastly different places and bring us a holistic approach to the problems felt across the globe. These beautiful rituals encourage us to seek balance, pursue wellness and engage with the world around us. It is more essential than ever that we take a break from the urban rat race. In the era of speed, instant gratification and distraction, these traditions and rituals offer us an alternative to the latest trends and total fixes in a bottle that offer temporary relief. They show us that wellness can begin by walking into a forest nearest you, sitting in a sauna with friends or family, cleansing your space and your spirit or receiving cupping therapy rooted in ancient Chinese medicinal practice. While all these rituals may not be readily accessible to us all, they remind us that we can find balance all around us and with breath and intention we remember the importance of taking a break when we need to.