Health Tips from around the world (Part 1)

Photo by Ella Jardim on Unsplash

We can learn a lot about living a healthy and balanced life by simply looking at other cultural norms. Health is about much more than the food on your plate (secondary food).

Your well-being is closely linked to a fulfilling career, rewarding relationships, rich spiritual practice and regular exercise (primary food).

Here are some tips for ultimate health and wellness around the world.

Tibet

Tibetan singing bowls

Tibetan singing bowls are used for sound healing. They produce energy supposed to cure stress disorders, pain, depression and other forms of discomfort. The sound waves resonate with your brainwaves and synchronize to create a sense of peace.

Music is another common version of sound healing. Create a playlist of songs that resonate with you and make you feel good. When you feel stressed or uncomfortable throughout the week, listen to your playlist.

There are many ways to invite happiness and well-being into your life.

China

Tai Chi

This centuries-old tradition is a practice of exercising one's mind and, in its slow motion, seems to be the antithesis of the tremendous impact that so many of us endure. It is anti-aerobics. A series of standing postures and movements between them, Tai Chi requires balance, breath control, muscular fluidity and meditative concentration - without fitness clothing from the 1980s.

Acupuncture

The traditional Chinese treatment of acupuncture involves inserting needles into the body to balance the energy. Only trained professionals should do so. Depending on the location of the needle, acupuncture is used to treat headaches, back pain, neck pain, allergies and blood pressure problems.

If you have any of these problems, find an acupuncturist in your area. Make an appointment with your acupuncturist and discuss what results you want to achieve.

Japan

Hara hachi bu

The Japanese have a sentence, hara hachi bu, which means eat until you are 80% filled. If you want to improve your digestion and avoid overeating, try using chopsticks. As in many Asian cultures, chopsticks are at the heart of Japanese tradition. What many people do not realize is that chopsticks are likely to slow down your eating pace and therefore reduce the amount of food you consume.

Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing)

Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, was introduced by the Japanese government in 1982 to improve public health. The goal is simply to sit, stroll and relax among the trees.

It is believed that essential oils emitted by trees enhance our immunity when we inhale them. A study conducted by Nippon Medical School in Tokyo found that after a weekend in the forest, the subjects showed an increase in the activity of their natural killer cells that act against viruses and tumours for a month. Other experiments have shown reductions in cortisol levels, blood pressure and pulse.

At the same time, a study of 498 healthy volunteers found that time spent in forests reduced people's scores of depression and hostility. Shinrin Yoku can be used as a stress reduction method and forest environments can be considered as therapeutic landscapes.

It is said that time spent in nature encourages a clearer intuition, increased energy flow, deepening friendships and an overall increase in happiness.

Make it your goal to go outdoors and into nature at least once a week. If you live in a place with dense forests, grab a shopping basket and have a picnic in the woods. If you are not in a wooded area, try to find a garden where you can read a book. Anyway, spending time practicing Shinrin Yoku could improve your happiness.

Norway

Friluftsliv

Norwegians have a similar respect for nature: Friluftsliv (pronounced "fri-loofts-live") is a philosophy that means "life in the open air". The concept, which is shared by the Swedes, refers to any activity that puts you in touch with nature. Whether sleeping under the stars or walking in a park, spending time in nature is a simple way to invest in your well-being.

Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden are among the ten happiest countries in the world, according to the 2017 Global Happiness Report (Norway is in first place). While many factors are at stake and we all have different opportunities and limitations, there is much to be said about a measured and sociable lifestyle and a love of nature.

Friluftsliv is the Nordic philosophy of outdoor living. It does not mean abandoning modern life and technology; it is just spending more time in nature. Learning to fish, go for walks and climb trees are all paths to nature, but the "real" Friluftsliv is simply to be present in nature and to be part of it.

Plan a hike. Gather your friends and take a trip in the nature. Explore your campsite and its surroundings. Take note of different things in your daily life. Consider going on nature excursions regularly. Make sure you respect your environment and leave the space as it was when you arrived.

You will read more in my next post.