Over the last 10 years, I have traveled to 9 countries abroad and all across the United States of America. What did my travel have in common? It’s giving WELLNESS! Yep, you guessed it. Every time I traveled, whether to meet a client; or for a residency; or for my own personal vacation/sabbatical I was true to myself and gave the inner Queen in me all that she could handle when it came to my wellbeing. As someone living with lupus, I had to have a crash course in taking care of myself to reduce my “flare ups” that bring on rashes, fatigue and other undesirable physical manifestations. So! At times when I felt the guilt and shame creep in about how much time, money and attention I’m spending on myself, I remind myself that my very survival and wellbeing depends on me feeling good. Literally.
If it’s possible to have a bias about the benefits of holistic wellness, that would be me. I’m 10 years into my journey and feel compelled to share what I’ve learned along the way. So if you’re uncertain about if it’s worth the money, time and planning to visit a holistic wellness center, allow me to share the top 10 reasons that you can recite to yourself, your spouse (who will need to hold it down at home!) or your boss (who needs to improve your PTO!) And as always, if you want support planning a trip or to find cheap travel deals, reach out to us at Ma’at Travel Agency. Some of my favorite holistic wellness center visits include the Art of Living Center in Boone, NC; Bufo Alvarius Sanctuary in Tulum, Mexico; The Hostel in the Forest in Brunswick, GA; and 8th Life Panama in Valle de Antón, Panama. Have some favorite stops you’ve made around the world? Drop them in the comments below!
- Stress relief: A visit to a holistic wellness center can provide relief from stress, anxiety, and depression. According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, yoga and meditation practices offered at holistic centers have been shown to reduce symptoms of stress and improve overall well-being.
- Improved physical health: Holistic wellness centers offer a variety of treatments and therapies that can improve physical health, such as acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic pain, while massage therapy has been shown to improve range of motion and decrease muscle tension.
- Improved mental health: Holistic wellness centers can also improve mental health through therapies such as meditation, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy was effective in preventing relapse of depression.
- Increased energy and vitality: Holistic wellness centers offer therapies that can increase energy and vitality, such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong. A study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that tai chi improves balance and physical function in older adults.
- Improved sleep: Holistic wellness centers can also improve sleep through therapies such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that acupuncture improves insomnia symptoms.
- Detoxification: Holistic wellness centers can help detoxify the body through therapies such as fasting, sauna therapy, and colon hydrotherapy. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found that sauna therapy can help remove toxins from the body.
- Weight management: Holistic wellness centers can also assist with weight management through therapies such as nutrition counseling, and yoga. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, combined with regular physical activity, can lead to weight loss.
- Improved immune function: Holistic wellness centers can improve immune function through therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition counseling. A study published in the Journal of Immunology found that acupuncture increases the production of white blood cells, which help fight off infections.
- Increased self-awareness: Holistic wellness centers can increase self-awareness through therapies such as meditation, yoga, and journaling. A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that journaling can increase self-awareness and improve mental health.
- Increased sense of well-being: Holistic wellness centers can increase a sense of well-being through a variety of therapies that promote relaxation and balance in the body and mind. A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that a sense of well-being is associated with better physical and mental health.
It is important to note that while holistic wellness centers can provide many benefits, it is always wise to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.
Blessings on your journey, beloved!
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
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