In East Asia, Japan, known for its artful culture, divine etiquette, and ancient tradition, has one of the world’s oldest populations.
But among the bright colors and layers of tradition, there lies a deeply embedded notion of well-being, which inspires droves of adventure-seekers to get a firsthand glimpse.
Here, we delve into five Japanese wellness trends you should be aware of in 2023.
Chado Tea Ceremony
Green tea is an indispensable element of Japanese culture.
To Japanese people, green tea is much more than just a beverage. It is also a symbol of hospitality and a meal companion.
The properties that make green tea a pantry staple in Japan are its antioxidants and flavonoids as well as its five times higher Vitamin C content than a lemon.
The advantages of green tea include its rich health benefits as well as its importance in the morning ritual.
The Japanese are believed to set a positive intention for the day by waking with the morning tea in hand, still and slow before setting a new daily routine.
Onsen
Today, onsen remains a culturally integral part of modern Japan, and they are rich with mineral waters that are geothermally heated.
The hot spring benefits of an onsen can be attributed to its volcanic surroundings. As a result of continuous volcanic activity, they are considered one of the finest natural spas in Japan.
With their open roofs and a backdrop that seems so pristine, onsens are the perfect place to unwind and forget the everyday aches and pains. They also give you a chance to embrace imperfections and regain your inner peace at the end of the day.
Shinrin-yoku
Japanese Buddhists have been referring to Shinrin-Yoku as ‘forest bathing’ since the 1980s.
Exercise helps people disconnect from a fast-paced, urban environment and motivates them to explore eco-experiences while maintaining a concern for nature.
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that mindfully exploring all five senses in a natural environment can relieve stress and burn-out-related disorders.
Japan’s government agency introduced the concept of sitting in a laurel forest to help tired employees take a break without going too far.
In 2018, 57.9% of Japanese employees felt both troubled and insecure about their work since Japan is one of the most technologically advanced and developed countries.
Get out of the house, get comfortable, take a deep breath, and open your ears to listen to the sounds of nature on a forest bathing retreat.
There is a saying, “Less is more”
Zen philosophy derived the term Kanso, meaning simplicity.
It incorporates seven principles, focusing on movement and flow of energy and minimalism, within a space, like feng shui.
Increasingly, the concept of “less is more” extends beyond interior decoration to encompass day-to-day lifestyles and ways of thinking geared to promoting good health and well-being.
Every day in our modern metropolis, we’re surrounded by crowds, and new products are taking over the supermarket shelves.
The kanso approach helps us simplify lifestyle choices by simplifying what really matters. By simplifying what matters, we focus our energy on the things that matter most.
Jiriki
Jiriki is a term used for ‘self-power’ in Buddhism coined by Yu Yagami in 1993.
This movement therapy is a technique that dispels and reinstates free flow of chi within the body. It is useful for preventing chronic disease and pain, as well as curing those.
Jiriki experts will guide students through the process of listening to their bodies in order to identify imbalances, pains, misalignments, and tensions.
In addition, students will explore a variety of Jiriki movements to help restore the balance of chi in their bodies, continuing their practice at home if needed.
