GWI - Touchless Wellness Trends

The Global Wellness Institute has just released the latest trends for all the initiatives and Touchless Wellness is one of them.

"Although Touchless Wellness practices have been around for millennia (think meditation, gong baths, sound healing, energy healing), they are now being re-invented and innovated with the use of technology. The Touchess Wellness Initiative is looking to positively impact the lives of the individuals as we enter a new era of well-being that aligns with evolving Wellness consumer preferences and priorities. We believe that this exciting new classification, within the industry, is promoting growth of an emerging segment within the wellness, and that Touchless is a major part of innovation within the same."

The new emerging sector known as “touchless wellness“ is now a term starting to make its way into the mainstream wellness conversation. As such, it is an area that is now being defined, and the sector is a trend in itself. To better understand touchless wellness, we have identified a few key foundational principles that are important to consider in understanding, implementing and executing touchless treatments products, and services. We offer these as both foundational and trendsetting. 

TREND 1:Think Quantum

New developments and understanding in Quantum Biology are reshaping the healing paradigm and fundamentally altering our perspectives on the origins and new methods of healing/wellbeing. 

According to Royal Society Publishing, The Origins of Quantum Biology) “…is usually considered to be a new discipline, arising from recent research that suggests that biological phenomena such as photosynthesis, enzyme catalysis, avian navigation or olfaction may not only operate within the bounds of classical physics.” This begins to provide a new understanding for the potential efficacy of many treatments, therapies and experiences considered “touchless,” including the application of the technological into hardware to deliver the same. 

 Sources: Royal Society Publishing – The Origins of Quantum Biology 

TREND 2:More is Seldom More

A simplified approach to touchless wellness advocates is starting with simplicity. In other words, the trend is to avoid overloading the individual’s system with multiple therapies simultaneously (known as treatment stacking/layering). Packing too many activities into a single day can be contraindicated and may lessen the potential benefits of treatments and experiences. Bio-individuality should be considered before prescribing any treatment or experiences circuits, and wherever possible, diagnostics should be applied prior to embarking on any treatment (standalone or combined). 

TREND 3:Prioritizing Quality of Life (QOL) Over Longevity by Emphasizing Vitality

The World Health Organization defines quality of life (QOL) as “an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns.” 

Standard indicators of the quality of life include wealth, employment, the environment, physical and mental health, education, recreation and leisure time, social belonging, values, religious beliefs, safety, security and freedom. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an evaluation of QOL and its relationship with health. 

This context invites a reframing of quality over quantity, with a more “holistic” perspective—helping to avoid reductionist thinking. With this mindset, QOL is also subjective, and quality of life reflects the overall perception of satisfaction, meaning and fulfillment in one’s life—a key indicator for vitality or strong and active continuance in life. QOL considerations are becoming more common in medical settings and the trend is to emphasize the patients QOL over treatments that may simply  keep them alive.   

Sources:World Health Organization – Quality of Life 

TREND 4:Achieving Bio Harmonization in Wellness Practice  

This trend involves tailoring approaches based on measurable data and diagnostics, with matched protocols to personalize the experience. This includes integrating both touch-based and touchless techniques. Bioharmonizing takes the long view. It deploys long-term “lifestyle wellness” solutions to provide a completely personalized “menu” of options that are in sync with individual preferences and needs. This is good news for chronic disease prevention, adaptation, performance and optimization. The results are the improvement of health spans and encouraging “nudging” behavioral changes for long-lasting positive impact.  

Bio harmonizing is well suited to the touchless space as elements of touchless can be infused into virtually every aspect of the hospitality experience and treatments that offer the guest a wellness journey for big takeaways. Think sleep programs, rich nutrient-rich culinary menus and experiences – all packaged for a truly elevated guest experience! 

TREND 5:Using Technologies as a Way to Provide “Wellness for All”

Consider the true definition of technology – ‘The artful application of knowledge,’ and we are in a more democratic space of “wellness for all.”  

The proliferation and the application of various technological acumen are creating many opportunities to democratize wellness further. For those less likely to be able to access more expensive treatments and experiences in the upmarket wellness resorts and destinations, the touchless landscape, whether a salt room or a vibroacoustic wellness lounger experience, these treatments are more accessible to the average consumer and bridge the gap to access to newer wellness offerings, regardless of age or socio-economic status. More of these treatments and experiences are making their way into the marketplace, providing more comprehensive options for more inclusion in the wellness-preventative lifestyle. 

Sources: Touchless Wellness Association White Paper – Embracing Tomorrow, Today 

Head to the Global Wellness Institute here: https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/global-wellness-institute-blog/2024/04/30/touchless-wellness-trends/