What’s old is new
We’re all aware of the role nature plays in keeping us physically and mentally on our game. In fact, nature is at the centre of everything we do here at Wild Luxury.
So for a touch of inspiration, we’ve put together three ancient wellness techniques that are popular in today’s busy world.
Bathing in nature
The 16th century, the Swiss-German physician Paracelsus declared that “the art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician.” Fast forward to the 1980s and the concept of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, originated in Japan.
Today, Wild Luxury retreats are designed specifically to encourage forest bathing such as Crane Lodge in Sydney’s north. Committed to preservation of biodiversity, a variety of flora has been planted to help protect the twenty-five endangered, and almost centenarian, Pittwater spotted gums that tower above and restore the forest to pre-colonisation condition. The landscaping features an impressive array of natives endemic to the area, including lilly pilly and lemon myrtle, providing guests a ‘forest bathing’ experience.
Pass the salt
Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, has recently seen a surge in popularity despite originating in Eastern Europe in the mid 1800s, when physicians discovered that workers in underground salt mines suffered fewer respiratory issues.
Salt therapy involves breathing in tiny negatively ionised dry salt particles infused into the air in a controlled environment. Due to its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, salt therapy is considered by some as an alternative approach to respiratory problems and can help with allergies, acne, sleep apnea, snoring, colds, eczema, psoriasis and infections. While we don’t have any natural salt caves in Australia, there are many replica caves available today that provide all the benefits in a safe, controlled environment.
Marine themed treatments
Thalassotherapy is the use of seawater and marine products like algae, seaweed, and marine mud to promote health and wellness. Marine products can have many natural benefits to the body due to their natural mineral content, which includes magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium and iodide.
Thalassotherapy has been practiced in Europe for centuries, dating back to the Roman Empire when soldiers used seawater baths to recover after battles. Benefits of thalassotherapy can include improved blood circulation, aid with sore joints, muscles and injuries, and improve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. While thalassotherapy is performed at specialised spas, you may certainly feel the benefits of the therapy from a visit to the seaside.