Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe 33, Primavera 2019

PRESCRIBING NATURE
There is enough science about the health
benefits of nature to get the attention of the
medical profession. Nature as medicine; just
don’t tell big Pharma.
In 2018, the NHS Shetland (Scotland) rolled
out “nature prescriptions” to help treat high
blood pressure, anxiety and depression. The doctors and nurses
have been urged to describe the health benefits of being outdoors,
along with specific outdoor activities for people to engage in
throughout the year.
MEDISCENT: FRAGRANCE GETS A WELLNESS
MAKEOVER
A new understanding of scent’s crucial role in our physical and
emotional wellbeing is transforming how we think about, nurture,
and use our sense of smell.
The concept of aromatherapy, or using scent to treat “disease,”
is a centuries-old practice. However, what’s old is new again
thanks to huge leaps in technology, fragrance development and
neuroscience studies, including new formulations; cleaner and
greener ingredients; and more science-based research encouraging
medical professionals, health insurers and skeptical consumers to
take another, more serious look at this age-old treatment.
CHINA : UNCOVERING THE WEALTH IN WELLNESS
China’s unprecedented economic growth, political influence and
technological advances have transformed the country into a global
powerhouse. Given the size of the market and its growing middle
class, China’s influence is now impacting the global wellness industry.
NUTRITION GETS VERY
PERSONALIZED
Diet confusion, new tech and the “power
of me” propel personalized nutrition into
mainstream.
Preliminary studies have shown that
individuals are more likely to stick with
personalized nutrition advice based on DNA, blood biomarkers
and genotypes (a positive offshoot of our craving for the hyperpersonalization
of everything?). A study of 100 Habit users found that
women lost an average of eight pounds and men an average of 12.
Habit’s Grimmer says: “When people eat in harmony to their body,
a natural result is weight loss.” The same study showed a positive
increase in the consumption of nutritious foods and a reduction in
those things many of us can do without: sugar, trans fats and salt.
DYING WELL
It’s called the “death positive” movement; everything around dying
is getting radically rethought - from making the experience more
humane to mourning and funerals getting reimagined, to people
actively exploring death as part of a mentally healthy life. Finally, a
“better death” is becoming integral to the idea of a “well life.”
People are rethinking the way we care for people at the end of life,
realizing that we can have it go well or badly. So, we see the rise of a
new practitioner, the death doula, who fills the gap in care between
medicine and hospice, families and fear - and who is dedicated to
giving people a better, more meaningful and peaceful death.
www.globalwellnesssummit.com
China’s outbound travel will have the biggest impact on global
wellness. Wanderlust among Chinese consumers will dominate
and reshape global tourism with its explosive growth and unique
consumption habits.
www.spawellnessmexicaribe.com 9
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