A new GWI initiative on yoga therapy has a mission of educating the global community—regardless of age, gender or socioeconomic status—about the ancient, evolving and multidimensional science of yoga therapy as a legitimate, evidence-backed and accessible health modality for the 21st century—correcting the idea that it’s just an exercise program or “alternative” medicine. The Initiative chair is Bija Bennett, wellness consultant, author and founder of…
An important new study from the National Institutes of Health is the first randomized trial to show that ultra-processed foods actually drive people to overeat and gain weight compared to whole/less processed foods. Those on an ultra-processed diet ate 508 more calories a week, gaining two pounds over the two-week study period, versus those on the unprocessed diet who lost two pounds a week. Key…
The recent landmark UN report on biodiversity comes to the sobering conclusion that the decline of the world’s biodiversity is such that “it is eroding the foundations of our economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide.” Demographics are a major culprit: We were 1.5 billion people a century ago, 6.1 billion in 2000, and 7.2 billion today, but what the report also…
There is a mountain of research on how time in nature impacts people’s physical and mental health, from lowering stress and blood pressure to increasing life expectancy. Which is why more doctors are now actually prescribing nature. But what’s the right dose? A new UK study (20,000 people) provides an answer: two hours a week. People who spent 120 minutes outdoors each week reported being in…
We predict that concerns about the cost to the environment of air travel will come to the boil in 2020. The backlash is growing, and the wellness industry must prepare for it. The “do no harm” (to your community, to the environment) principle will become an obligation, and travel companies will be held accountable. But the air industry is far from the only culprit. A…
The GWI’s Hot Springs Initiative just released their top five trends for thermal/mineral springs bathing—from more hot springs being designed for people of all ages (from infants to seniors) to more activities such as yoga, massage or forest bathing getting woven into the soaking experience to the big increase in more extreme “fire and ice” experiences—moving from hot waters to ice caves and rolls in…
