Over recent years, the world of health and wellness has undergone a dramatic shift, now being approached more holistically than ever before to embrace mind, body and soul. Add to that the slow but sure introduction of the latest technological innovations into the ways in which we source different types of therapies, and it’s a space that looks almost unrecognisable when compared to just a couple of decades ago.
With accessibility our key consideration when seeking out therapy – whether we’re talking a relaxing massage, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or anything in between, and with our lifestyles now busier than ever, we’re demanding services that either come to us, or that we can take advantage of digitally.
From immersive virtual reality healing and personalised gene-based therapies to marketplace apps that allow you to source the therapy services you need on demand, here, we take a look at the top five high-end health and wellness therapy trends making waves in 2023.
Massage marketplaces
After a long and stressful day at work, sometimes, all you need is a massage to work out that tension and allow you to relax and unwind – but with no appointment booked at your usual massage therapist and the waitlist stretching ahead for weeks, it isn’t always possible. At least, it wasn’t – until Zen Hut arrived on the scene. Allowing customers to book quality, on-demand massages with vetted therapists at short notice, they’ll come to your house, or see you at their own premises in your local neighbourhood. At a time when we want what we want quickly, it’s a great solution, and could be just what you need to uplevel your regular self care and wellness regime.
Mindful sound therapy
The trend towards mindfulness isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but it is evolving. Combining ancient healing practices with modern technology, mindful sound therapy is becoming increasingly popular in 2023 and allows you to immerse yourself in the soothing properties of sound, with gongs, sound bowls and tuning forks all being used to lull you into a deep state of relaxation. Taking a more mindful approach to classic healing sound therapy, it has been shown to be a powerful weapon against stress and anxiety, with improved focus, reduced cortisol level and improved sleep quality all said to be benefits of engaging in regular sessions.
Virtual reality healing retreats
With many healing retreats centering around the concept of a digital detox – in other words, switching off all your mobile devices for the duration – the idea of bringing virtual reality into the equation might seem like a strange one. But in actual fact, the introduction of VR tech into the wellness space has made these experiences more accessible than ever before, with individuals now able to virtually attend retreats without leaving the comfort of their homes. From yoga and meditation to talk therapy, if you don’t have the time to spare or are on the other side of the world to the event you’d like to attend, then you can now simply pop on a headset and allow those stresses and strains to simply melt away, all whilst lounging on your sofa.
Nature-based therapy
During the global Covid-19 pandemic, many of us sought solace in the great outdoors and gained a new appreciation of the benefits of being in nature, with time spent in green spaces or near water shown to offer a host of mental and physical benefits. So it’s little surprise that the wellness world has leveraged this to come up with new, nature-based offerings designed to help us recentre and relax. Harnessing the healing power of nature, there’s a focus on disconnecting from the modern world and all of the technology that comes with it and immersing yourself in the most tranquil and nourishing of settings, spending more time outside and taking part in activities ranging from hiking and gardening to nature walks and wildlife observation – and frankly, it sounds like one of the most enjoyable ways out there to restore a sense of calm.
Gene-based therapies
Advancements in genetic research have also contributed to the transformation of the wellness space of late, including the types of therapies that are now available to take advantage of. Gene-based therapies have made it possible to take a more personalised and tailored approach to addressing our health and wellness needs, and use your individual DNA profile to determine what you might need the most to get back to feeling your best, with genetic testing allowing you to gain insight into everything from your metabolism and nutritional needs to your predisposition to certain health conditions. It also empowers you to take the relevant actions, with experts using the information to develop bespoke plans designed just for you and taking the guesswork out of your next move.
