Introduction

As more people become aware of natural healing practices, they seek to experience wellness methods from around the globe.

I will explore healing practices from different regions of Asia that have withstood the test of time and are more relevant today than ever.

In today's fast-paced world, stress, and anxiety are on the rise. Therefore a willingness to take simple steps to learn and absorb the priceless knowledge preserved by our ancestors can lead to an enriched life.

Asia is home to some of the most evolved healing practices that resonate with each one of us in today's world. These practices are rooted in nature and teach us how to align our minds and bodies with our surroundings.

Here is what we will be exploring:

• Ayurveda, Yoga, and Meditation - India

• Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM - China

• Jamu Healing - Indonesia

• Hanbang - Korea

Let’s dive into these time-tested practices that have helped people through history and how we can seamlessly weave them into our lives.

Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation - India

What is Ayurveda?

Isn't it wonderful to realize that there is truly a system of wellness that recognizes the power and the blessing of nature?

Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old Indian system that syncs with nature for a Holistic approach to Wellness.

It helps people live a long, healthy, and balanced life.

Ayurveda recognizes that just like each person's fingerprint is unique, our personalities are as well. They affect everything from our behavior to digestion. These are known as doshas. Doshas serve as your health blueprint. Each dosha has distinctive traits, and most people are a mix of two, with one being dominant.

• Vata – Restless but Creative

• Pitta – Aggressive but Reasonable

• Kapha – Lazy but Grounded

How to Include Ayurveda in Your Life:

• Regular Yoga Practice: This can improve flexibility, focus, and balance. Practicing Pranayama, which is essentially mindful breathing. Combining these two practices helps both body and mind.

• Regulating morning and evening routines – Morning meditation and evening gratitude bring significant benefits by fostering calmness and focus.

• Eating a healthy, and balanced diet as per the season – Warm nutritious food during winters and cooling hydrating foods during summer months.

• Abhyanga – A massage technique performed with warm oils infused with healing herbs. This technique relaxes sore muscles while energizing our bodies.

• Regular meals enriched with herbs such as Turmeric and Ginger along with herbal teas like Tulsi { Holy Basil } and CCF tea. Additionally consuming lentils and various vegetables provides healing properties and adequate nourishment.

Traditional Chinese Healing Practices and Acupressure - China

What is Traditional Chinese Healing?

TCH is a holistic healing system that focuses on balancing Qi which means energy. Qi Gong and Tai Chi involve gentle body movements and breathing techniques to bring balance and focus into our lives. They aid in healing our bodies, through the flow of positive energy.

Acupressure – Is the art of applying pressure on specific points in the body to alleviate pain. It helps release tension from our bodies, thus healing and balancing Qi.

How to Include Traditional Chinese Wellness in Your Life

• Practicing Tai Chi or Qigong in the morning can be beneficial, as it keeps you in a positive mindset throughout the day.

• In Chinese culture, herbs and spices are beautifully blended into the local cuisine.

  Here are some of the herbs commonly used for their beneficial properties.

• Ginseng – Drinking herbal teas for energy boost and mental clarity

• Licorice – Chew it raw or enjoy a hot licorice tea to soothe sore throats.

• Goji berries – Blend them into smoothies, toss them in salad bowls, or enjoy them raw for radiant skin.

Jamu Herbal Healing- Indonesia

What is Jamu Healing?

Jamu is a traditional Indonesian herbal practice that promotes wellness and beauty.

Interestingly the famous Indonesian health drink used for immunity and good health also goes by the same name.

Significant value is placed on calming beauty rituals. It is believed that beauty encompasses more than the physical; a serene and balanced mind also plays a crucial role in overall beauty.

How to Include Jamu in Your Life

• Drinks - Turmeric, Ginger and Tamarind Tonics with a dash of lemon – {Jamu}: Aids digestion & fights inflammation. One of the most delicious ways to boost immunity, ward off illness and promote relaxation is to drink one shot of Jamu every day.

Interestingly Jamu drink is still made the same way as it was made centuries ago. However, there are many different recipes for this drink.

• Natural Oils: The most commonly used is coconut oil, beautifully infused with natural herbs. It is used for massages to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Additionally, it improves skin texture and reduces hair loss.

• Boreh {Healing Body Scrub}: A traditional body exfoliant made with rice along with a blend of herbs, flowers, and oils for flawless skin.

Hanbang Rituals - Korea

What is Hanbang?

Hanbang is Korea’s ancient herbal wellness system with a focus on balancing body and mind.

How to Include Hanbang into Your Life:

• Nokcha (a popular green tea), ginger tea, and barley tea are cherished in Korean culture for their numerous benefits, including aiding digestion, enhancing energy, and strengthening immunity.

• Fermented Foods: Foods such as kimchi are staples in Korean cuisine. Not only does it cleanse the gut, but it also enhances mental well-being. In addition to being rich in probiotic properties, it contains a significant amount of fiber and vitamins.

• Jjimjilbang (Sauna, Bath, and Scrub House): These community bathhouses are popular among families, offering detoxifying baths and scrubbing rituals. They effectively enhance blood circulation and remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin soft and glowing.

My Thoughts

The healing traditions of India, China, Indonesia, and Korea offer valuable insights into living a healthier, more fulfilling, and balanced life. It is easy to embrace ancient time-tested healing methods for modern wellness. However, there are striking similarities in all of them. 

Here are a few of my observations about the different healing practices.

The primary goals of both yoga and Tai Chi are flexibility, balance, and focus. Herbs like turmeric and ginger are intrinsic to all wellness beliefs. Oil massages for relaxation are also blended within most cultures. Meditation has evolved in various ways across wellness traditions but the basic aim remains the same.

Looking forward to your thoughts in the comments!

FAQs

When can I start seeing the result?

It might take from a few weeks to a couple of months depending on your current lifestyle and commitment to wellness. However, Abhyanga and Acupressure will give immediate relief.

Is Practicing wellness expensive?

Nope!! not at all. Most of the raw ingredients like ginger and turmeric are everyday staples, cheap and easily available. Teas are best when made at home. Abhyanga is a self-oil massage technique. Additionally, there is online material available on You Tube and other social media, which can help you learn beathing techniques and basic yoga.