By Kerry Hale

Wellness Rituals Around the World

  • Friday 20th December 2024
  • 9 minute read

From the Turkish Hammam to the Balinese ritual of Melukat, almost every culture boasts its own unique wellness treatments and traditions, many of which have been practiced for thousands of years and remain integral to modern life. Deeply rooted in history, these rituals offer a blend of physical rejuvenation, spiritual cleansing, and cultural significance.

As wellness continues to trend globally, people are increasingly drawn to these practices for their holistic benefits and rich cultural significance. To explore this global phenomenon, we’ve curated a weighted rank featuring the top wellness rituals from around the world that are growing in popularity. Using insights from social media, keyword search trends, and affordability factors, each ritual has been scored from 1 to 10, offering a clear snapshot of its appeal and accessibility.

Whether you’re planning to travel and immerse yourself in culture or looking to recreate their soothing effects at home, these rituals provide endless inspiration. From icy Nordic plunges inspired by Finnish sisu to Japan’s serene onsen traditions, each offers something different with the same focus of relaxation, renewal, and connection with the traditions that have shaped them. Prepare to delve further into the world of wellness, find out more about each of the wellness rituals and their origins below. 

Top 10 wellness rituals around the world

Hygge - Denmark

Fun Fact: Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is more than just cozy indoor moments. The tradition of cold-water plunges followed by warming up in a sauna is often a social activity, especially in coastal areas. Many Danes swear by the practice for boosting circulation and mental clarity. In fact, it's common to see people of all ages plunging into icy waters during winter, often from specially built platforms.

In Denmark, hygge is a way of life that emphasises comfort, mindfulness, and connection, so it’s no surprise that this concept has earned first place on our leaderboard with an overall score of 100. This concept extends to outdoor rituals like cold-water plunges and sauna visits, which are popular amongst Danes, especially during the colder months, and cost around £110. These practices balance discomfort with renewal, fostering physical well-being and a sense of community. Whether sharing a moment with friends or reconnecting with nature, hygge embodies the art of finding joy and balance in life's simple moments.

 

Ayurveda - India

Fun Fact: Ayurveda (pronounced as "eye-yer-vay-duh") is considered one of the oldest healthcare systems in the world, and its principles have inspired modern wellness trends like detox diets and oil pulling for oral health.

Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of holistic medicine, has been practiced for over 5,000 years. Focused on achieving a balance between mind, body, and spirit, Ayurveda emphasises the importance of diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies. It identifies three primary energies, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which must remain balanced for optimal health. For balancing energies Ayurveda recommends warm bathing which is viewed as a ceremony of physical and mental relaxation. The key ingredients to these warming baths are essential oils, milk, honey, vinegar, and medicinal herbs intended to accelerate cell renewal, brighten the mind, and gain a deeper connection to our own emotions. 

Ayurveda ceremonies can range between £25- £100 depending on the activity. Treatments like herbal therapies, yoga, and Panchakarma detoxification embody Ayurveda’s legacy as a globally respected path to wellness. Ayurveda comes in second place on our leaderboard, with a weighted rank score of 91.

 

Japanese Onsen

Fun Fact: Japan is home to over 3,000 onsen (pronounced as "on-sen"), many of which boast unique mineral compositions believed to help with specific ailments, from joint pain to skin rejuvenation.

Japanese onsen, or natural hot springs, takes third place scoring 90 in our weighted rank. It is an integral part of Japan’s wellness culture, offering physical and spiritual rejuvenation. Fed by geothermally heated waters, onsen are rich in minerals that promote relaxation and healing. Often situated in stunning outdoor locations or traditional indoor bathhouses, visiting an onsen is a mindful ritual of cleansing and connection to nature which costs approximately £107. With their deep ties to tradition, onsen experiences represent the Japanese appreciation for harmony and the natural world.

 

Roman Baths - Bath, UK

Fun Fact: The water in the Roman Baths (pronounced as “roh-muhn baths") still flows through parts of the original Roman plumbing system. Ingeniously designed nearly 2,000 years ago, the Romans used lead pipes and channels to direct mineral-rich hot spring water into the baths, a system that remains partially functional today.

The Roman Baths in Bath, England, are among the most iconic and well-preserved remnants of ancient Roman architecture, earning fourth place on our top 10 leaderboard with an overall score of 79. Constructed around 70 AD, they were built around natural hot springs believed to have healing properties. Once a social and cultural hub, the baths were a place for relaxation, bathing, and worship, with a temple dedicated to Sulis Minerva blending Roman and Celtic traditions. Today, the Roman Baths continue to attract visitors from all over the world, offering a glimpse into ancient architecture and daily life, costing around £21.50. Although the original baths are not in use for bathing, there are other spas and baths nearby where you can relax like the Romans did.

 

Jjimjilbang - Korea

Fun Fact: Many jjimjilbangs (pronounced as "jeem-jeel-bahng") feature quirky amenities like karaoke rooms, nap caves, and even movie theaters, making them a popular spot for overnight stays and socializing.

The jjimjilbang, a traditional Korean bathhouse, offers a mix of relaxation, wellness, and community. Open 24/7, these facilities feature saunas, hot baths, and heated rooms infused with minerals like jade or salt, each promoting health and rejuvenation. A visit to a Jjimjilbang will typically cost £10. Visitors can enjoy additional amenities like massages, snack bars, and entertainment areas. Beyond physical cleansing, the jjimjilbang is a cultural institution where families and friends gather to unwind, making it a beloved part of Korean life. Jjimjilbang is in fifth place in our top 10, with a weighted rank score of 75.

 

Melukat - Bali

Fun Fact: Many believe that the Balinese melukat (pronounced as "meh-loo-kaht") purification ritual can bring good fortune or improve personal relationships, adding to its appeal for locals and visitors alike.

Bali melukat, ranking at number six with a weighted rank score of 77, is a sacred purification ritual that cleanses the body and soul using holy water, prayer, and meditation. Bali Melukat typically costs £27. Performed at temples or natural springs, it is believed to wash away negative energy and restore spiritual balance. Guided by priests or spiritual leaders, participants immerse themselves in water while engaging in blessings and introspection. Deeply rooted in Balinese Hindu culture, melukat is both a spiritual and emotional renewal.

 

Finnish Sisu

Fun Fact: Finland often hosts quirky events like the Ice Swimming World Championships, where participants from around the globe compete in frozen lakes. These plunges are more than just extreme sports—they showcase the Finnish spirit of sisu (pronounced “"see-soo").

Finnish sisu, which has ranked seventh in our report with an overall score of 70, is the embodiment of grit, courage, and perseverance - a mindset of facing challenges head-on, no matter how daunting. This cultural ethos is exemplified in the practice of cold-water swimming combined with the traditional Finnish sauna. Taking a plunge into icy lakes during winter isn't just a physical challenge; it’s a mental one, rooted in the sisu belief in pushing personal limits. This tradition, which strengthens resilience and promotes clarity, reflects the Finnish spirit of finding strength and growth in adversity and typically costs £20 to participate in the plunge and sauna.

 

Turkish Hammam

Fun Fact: With high domed ceilings and marble interiors, the design of the Turkish hammam (pronounced “"hah-mahm") was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. The domes were often built with small star-shaped holes to let in natural light, creating a serene atmosphere while allowing steam to escape. 

The Turkish hammam, or bathhouse, is a centuries-old tradition that blends cleansing, relaxation, and community. The hammam ranks in eighth place with a weighted rank score of 67, and costs on average £70 to participate in. Evolving from Roman and Byzantine bathing practices, the hammam became a centerpiece of the Turkish Empire, offering a space for both physical purification and social gatherings. Visitors move through stages of heat and cooling, enjoying treatments like exfoliation with a kese (coarse mitt) and massages. With their stunning marble interiors and domed ceilings, hammams continue to be a symbol of Turkish hospitality and well-being.

 

Sweat Lodges (Temazcals) - USA

Fun Fact: Sweat lodges have been used for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples and are among the oldest known forms of natural therapy. Sweat lodges are also known as "temazcals" (pronounced “"teh-mahz-kalh”) in some cultures, particularly in Native American and Indigenous Mesoamerican traditions.

Sweat lodges are sacred spaces in Native American traditions, used for spiritual, physical, and emotional purification. Made from natural materials, these dome-shaped structures are heated with hot stones, over which water is poured to create steam. Ceremonies involve prayer, chanting, and reflection, fostering a deep connection to the earth and oneself. Symbolising renewal and rebirth, sweat lodges offer a transformative experience that promotes healing, clarity, and spiritual growth in a communal setting. Sweat lodges have ranked in ninth place, with a weighted rank score of 50, and cost approximately £50 to participate in.

 

Perenie (Banya) - Russia

Fun Fact: The venik, a bundle of birch or oak twigs used in the Perenie (pronounced “"peh-REH-nee-eh") or Russian banya (pronounced “"BAHN-yah"), isn’t just symbolic - it’s believed to help improve circulation, release muscle tension, and open pores for detoxification.

Perenie, or bathing in a Russian banya, is a tradition deeply rooted in Russian culture. The experience involves sitting in a heated steam room, often infused with herbal aromas, and using the venik for a gentle massage. After steaming, participants cool off with a cold plunge or a roll in the snow, invigorating both body and mind. More than a physical cleanse, the banya is a ritual of relaxation, rejuvenation, and social connection that has been cherished for centuries. Perenie costs £95 on average and comes in joint ninth place with a weighted rank score of 50.

These wellness rituals from around the world show just how unique and meaningful self-care can be. Whilst many of them intend to focus on rejuvenation, they are also deeply rooted in culture and history. Whether it’s the cosy simplicity of hygge, the healing power of Ayurveda, or the refreshing plunge of Finnish sisu, each tradition offers a special way to unwind, recharge, and connect with culture.

No matter where you are, these rituals remind us that taking time for wellness is universal. Why not try one for yourself? Even a simple shower at home can become a relaxing ritual - add essential oils, adjust the water temperature, or take a moment to focus on mindfulness.

For those looking for cold water experiences built into their shower, you can shop our Mira Activate with ColdBoost  range here - the UK’s first guided cold water experience digital shower. 

Discover more about ColdBoost and benefits of cold water bathing.

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