The Modern Allure of Ancient Wellness Rituals

In an age where wellness trends come and go as quickly as the latest superfood craze, some healing practices have stood the test of time. Across the world, ancient civilisations developed intricate rituals to restore balance, cleanse the body, and connect with something greater than themselves. While their origins are deeply rooted in history, these time-honoured traditions continue to resonate today, offering a sense of grounding in an increasingly chaotic world.

From the mindful serenity of Japan’s forests to the sacred waters of Bali, these rituals are more than just spa treatments, they are cultural experiences, holistic healing methods, and windows into the wisdom of the past.

Ayurverda is practiced all over the world and in a lot of wellness retreats (Ananda in the Himalayas)

Ayurveda in India 

Ayuverda stands for the science of life, so it not surprising that this ancient Indian system of medicine is one of the oldest holistic healing practises in the world. Some speculate it originated in India over three thousand years ago whilst others claim the number to be even greater, at five thousand. Whatever the case, this medical science has always revolved around the concept that each person has different life forces, connecting it to the universe and everything that goes on with it. An imbalance in one area can affect the rest. To return to an equilibrial state, Ayuverda focuses various treatments including nutrition, herbal medicine and internal cleansing. From easily adapting an Ayurvedic diet at home to splurging on a more intensive and traditional experience which revitalise these ago-old powers, this ancient wellness ritual is one to completely immerse in. 

WHERE: Ananda in the Himalayas 

The fear of over-tourism in Bali had created conflicting opinions on if visitors. are respecting this religious ceremony enough (Alfiyan Hilmi)

Malukat in Bali

Bali is an archipelago known for its colourful festivals and spiritual rituals. The malukat (also known as melukat) is a spiritual purification ceremony which visitors are allowed to respectfully participate in. It is practised in the Hindu region of the predominantly Islamic island where those who traditionally partake in it believe it helps to find inner peace. The ritual includes devotedly being showered in holy water, blessings from a priest and participating in religious prayers. The bathing part of the custom is predominately done in ancient temples — such as at Tirta Empul and Mengening Temple — or sacred waterfalls. 

WHERE: Anantara Ubud

This wellness ritual is relatively new but has had profound affects. It is even prescribed by doctors in Japan (Ryutaro Tsukata)

Forest bathing in Japan 

Japan’s landscape is blessed with ancient volcanic spots, creating the perfect hot springs and the county’s infamous wellness ritual, the onsen. However, Japan is also known for another healing practise which goes down a slightly different path, one through the forest. Similar to meditation, forest bathing (also known as shinrin-yoku) is a therapeutic practice in which one mindfully spends time in the forest. It first emerged in Japan in the 1980s with two goals. The first was to encourage an eco-reboot for those who were first experiencing the tech-boom burnout. The second included preserving nature by reconnecting with it. Whilst you can delve head-first into this experience completely free, you can also participate in more intensive and educational programs which take you through this meditative art form.

WHERE: Yakushima (Island) National Park

One of the main components of the cacao plant (theobromine) translates to 'food of the Gods' (Pixabay)

Cacao ceremony in Mexico

We all know that the key to wellness is chocolate (sometimes). This Mesoamerican medicinal ritual first originated within civilisations in what is now Mexico and Central America. At the time, cacao was more than just a nutritional ingredient, it was a sacred product, a medicine and even a currency. The cacao plant itself is made from various components, one of them being theobromine which is believed to act as a stimulant and encourages blood flow to the brain. The ritual is said to be a lot more than just sipping hot chocolate. It is  transformative experience meant to open the heart, ground the body and connect the soul. 

WHERE: Mixto 

During the Ancient Roman Empire, romans used to use this time to network with key figures in society (Rachel Claire)

Roman baths

Imagine instead of going to the movies with your friends, you want to take a bath with them instead. That is the kind of popular social event which many romans participated in. Due to the age of the ancient architecture of the original baths in Rome, bathing in them is not allowed. However, this wellness ritual is a tradition which can be experiences both at home or in more authentically-designed bathing rooms. For example, history dictates that this ritual would start off in the tepidarium, a warm room to prepare the body for intense heat. They would then move on to the next room (the caldarium) and finally the laconium, a dry sauna designed for deeper relaxation. The whole affair included other beauty treatments — a detail which the Romans were very fond of — including exfoliating, cold-water plunges and massages. 

WHERE: Six Senses Rome