Wellness in Bhutan – Explore the wellness tourism of the happiest country in Asia

Traditional Asian health and wellness techniques have fueled the global wellness industry’s expansion in general, and Bhutan is no exception. In Bhutan, wellness tourism refers to travel that promotes health and well-being via physical, psychological, or spiritual activities. With so much ill-being in today’s world, wellness tourism can help to deal with those negative characteristics and transform travel into a chance to preserve and improve our overall health. Bhutan provides everything you need to restore your body, mind, and soul.

Bhutan, a gem of the Eastern Himalayas, is endowed with enchanting scenery, mystic vibes, and a soul-captivating aura, making it an ideal destination to plan your wellness vacation. Today, the great Himalayan Kingdom is gaining popularity as a wellness vacation destination due to the abundance of places promising peace, solace, and complete healing of body, mind, and soul. Bhutan, steeped in peace, and spirituality, has everything one looks for in a vacation to leave revived and rejuvenated. The happiest country in Asia and the world’s only carbon-negative nation is brimming with activities that provide a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Bhutan famously calculates its development in terms of Gross National Happiness rather than Gross Domestic Product. After making this statement in 1972, Bhutan’s fourth King officially implemented his plans. The government gathered experts from around the world to create nine ‘domains of happiness,’ which include psychological well-being, health, education, time use, cultural diversity and resilience, good governance, community vitality, ecological diversity, and living standards. Due to these domains, Bhutan boasts a variety of activities for those looking for peace, rest, and rehabilitation. Whether it’s a meditation session, a soothing dip in a mineral hot spring bath, or a mandala creation.

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Here are a few wellness practices of Bhutan, the happiest country in Asia

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• Take a serene bath in the hot springs.

In Bhutan, hot springs are called Tshachu, mineral water is called Drubchu, and medicinal water is called Smenchu. People believe that the Tshachu, Drubchu, and Smenchu are Buddha’s blessings, so the hot springs are generally found in sacred sites throughout the country. Not only are the hot springs a tourist attraction, but the water is also used for hot spring therapy in Bhutan. The hot springs can help treat arthritis, skin diseases, ulcers, rheumatism, indigestion, tuberculosis, and other ailments. Bhutanese people take their healing therapies very seriously and may set up camps in various locations during the winter.

• Take a hike to the Tiger’s Nest monastery.

Bhutan’s national forest covers more than 60% of the country’s land area. It is a carbon-neutral destination, absorbing more carbon than it emits. This green kingdom’s pristine nature offers a plethora of wellness activities to provide a thrilling experience and get your adrenaline pumping. Climb the Himalayan green hills and valleys, cycle through some spectacular trails and valleys outside of cities, discover the unspoiled wilderness, go white-water rafting, practice archery – Bhutan’s national sport – and hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a sacred Buddhist site magnificently situated on a 3,000-foot high cliff’s edge.

• Soak in a traditional hot stone bath

Bhutanese hot baths differ from those found elsewhere in the world. It employs Menchu, which translates to medicinal water. Menchu is made of fresh water and the leaves of Artemisia absinthium (wormwood). River stones are roasted over a fire until they are burning hot, and are used to heat the mixture. More heated stones are added into the main tub via a chute to raise the temperature of the water. Hot stone baths can help treat ailments such as arthritis, hypertension, joint pain, stomach disorders, other deep-set aches, and over 50 skin ailments by the Bhutanese. Above all, taking a bath is an excellent way to relieve stress. Artemisia has a calming effect.

• Spend some time meditating

Bhutan’s natural setting of lush forests and verdant valleys make it an ideal location for meditation and relaxation therapies. Meditation and retreat tours are very common and popular in Bhutan. The meditation retreats offered here are the ultimate places of respite from the stresses and cares of daily life. Meditation is a common practice among Bhutanese monks, who are the last strongholds of Vajrayana Buddhism. The retreats are an excellent opportunity to focus on your inner self and the purpose of your life.

• Spend a night in a Bhutanese home

Homestay is a great way to experience the gracious hospitality and happiness of the Bhutanese people. Chat with the family, cook traditional dishes, do some farm work with them, experience the authentic Bhutanese way of life, and find the secret of happiness in them. The night sky lit by millions of stars, the surrounding mystic Himalayas, the soft sounds of nature, and the feeling of fresh air will give you an inexplicable experience you have never had before.

• Visit a healing Shaman

Shamanism exists in various forms around the world, but all share the belief that spirits (good or evil) exist and that they can communicate with them. They usually use trance-like states to induce visionary ecstasy and cure sickness caused by evil spirits. Shaman healing is quite common in Bhutan, as we can see in most places. Locals enlist the help of shamans known as jhankris to perform healing rituals. Jhankris are thought to have the ability to subdue evil spirits, which are thought to be the source of all ailments. The ceremony includes a variety of offerings, as well as continuous drumming and singing.

• Practice some yoga

Yoga and Bhutan are a natural fit; it’s incredible to be able to experience this ancient and powerful meditative practice in such a deeply spiritual country. With the gift of yoga, you will support yourself through the rigors of travel and sightseeing, opening tightness and tension in your body as you open your spirit to the magic of Bhutan. Spending time doing yoga in the serene atmosphere of Bhutan, shrouded in clouds, will help you reestablish the harmonious rhythm of your body and mind, as well as find solace and inner peace.

During your vacation in Bhutan, you will have numerous opportunities to learn and practice yoga against a stunning backdrop of Himalayan nature, perhaps overlooking the magnificent Paro valley or hidden among the forests. You will not only enjoy pure nature and fresh air in every breath but your body and soul will also be revitalized.

Bhutan, a land as mysterious as it is beautiful, is an ideal wellness destination for unwinding from daily stresses and finding lasting inner peace. It is more than just a destination; it is a transformative experience that will bring more happiness into your life.

Set aside your concerns and bring your sense of wonder and humor to this breathtaking region known as the Land of Thunder Dragon. Traditional Bhutanese values, etiquettes, and spirituality coexist with development initiatives. Not to mention that Bhutan’s vast biodiversity and world-class environmental conservation are what make the country beautiful and one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

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