Are Wellness Trends Hurting You? Ancient Practices That Still Heal

by Dr. LaSonya Lopez, MD

February 16, 2025

In today’s world, wellness trends spread like wildfire. They promise everything from flawless skin to endless energy, pulling us in with alluring promises of transformation. While some trends have merit, many are fleeting, profit-driven, or simply not backed by time-tested wisdom. In fact, some modern trends might be leading us further from the holistic wellness we truly crave.

What if, instead of chasing the next shiny new thing, we paused and looked to ancient practices that have stood the test of time? This isn’t about choosing between modern innovation and tradition but about blending the best of both worlds while learning to trust your own intuition about what feels right for your body.

Let’s explore the hidden dangers of blindly following wellness trends, rediscover the ancient remedies that have nurtured health for generations, and create a path toward authentic, sustainable well-being.

The Hidden Dangers of Wellness Trends

1. Quick Fixes That Backfire

Many wellness trends promise instant results, but shortcuts can come with long-term costs. For example:

Detox Teas: Marketed as a way to "cleanse" your body, these teas often rely on harsh laxatives, which can disrupt your digestive balance.
Over-Exfoliating Skincare: Products with strong acids can leave your skin sensitive and damaged if used excessively.

Ancient Alternative: Ayurvedic traditions recommend gentle cleansing with natural ingredients like turmeric, neem, or chickpea flour. These not only cleanse but also nourish the skin without stripping it.

2. Over-Reliance on Supplements

While modern supplements can offer targeted benefits, they often lack the holistic approach found in nature. Additionally, many are unregulated, meaning you may not be getting what you think.

Ancient Alternative: Traditional remedies like ashwagandha for stress, moringa for energy, and triphala for digestion have been used for centuries. These herbs work in synergy with the body rather than overpowering it. Sip on herbal teas or use powdered forms in your cooking to integrate these remedies naturally.

3. Trendy Diets That Don’t Last

Diets like keto, paleo, or intermittent fasting might work for some but can create imbalances in others. Restricting entire food groups often leads to cravings, nutrient deficiencies, or burnout.

Ancient Alternative: Many traditional diets focus on balance rather than restriction. For example:

Mediterranean Diet: A focus on whole grains, olive oil, and fresh vegetables has been linked to longevity.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Suggests eating warm, cooked foods during colder months to support digestion and harmony.
Ayurveda: Recommends tailoring your diet to your unique dosha (body type) for balance and energy.

4. Modern Skincare Overload

In today’s beauty world, it’s tempting to layer on products with the hope of miraculous results. But this approach can overwhelm your skin and lead to irritation.

Ancient Alternative: In ancient Egypt, moringa oil was prized for its ability to cleanse and hydrate the skin. Similarly, cultures worldwide have used oils like sesame and rosehip for both beauty and healing. Simple routines, such as oil cleansing followed by hydration, offer a natural and effective approach to skincare.

Learning From the Past: Proven Ancient Practices

1. Abhyanga (Self-Massage with Oils)

Origin: Ayurveda

Daily self-massage with warm oil has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic health for thousands of years. It nourishes the skin, improves circulation, and calms the nervous system.

How to Practice:

Choose an oil that suits your skin type (e.g., sesame oil for dry skin, coconut oil for cooling).
Warm the oil slightly and massage it into your skin using circular motions.
Focus on joints and lymphatic areas for detoxification.

2. Earthing (Connecting with Nature)

Origin: Indigenous Practices Worldwide

Walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil—known as "earthing"—helps ground your energy and reconnect with nature.

Benefits:

Reduces inflammation and stress.
Balances energy levels.
Improves sleep.

How to Practice: Take 10 minutes daily to walk barefoot outside or sit with your hands resting on the earth.

3. Food as Medicine

Origin: Traditional Cultures Worldwide

Before the rise of supplements, food was medicine. From golden milk in India (turmeric, milk, and spices) to fermented foods in Korea, traditional diets were designed to heal and nourish.

Easy Recipes:

Golden Milk: Mix turmeric, black pepper, ginger, and cinnamon with warm almond milk for an anti-inflammatory drink.
Fermented Foods: Add kimchi, sauerkraut, or miso to meals for gut health.

4. Breathwork and Energy Balance

Origin: Yoga and Pranayama

Breath is life, yet many of us breathe shallowly and miss out on its benefits. Ancient yogic practices emphasize breathing deeply to calm the mind and energize the body.

Try This: Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

Sit comfortably and close your right nostril with your thumb.
Inhale deeply through your left nostril.
Close your left nostril with your ring finger and exhale through your right nostril.
Repeat for 2-3 minutes.

What to Do Instead of Following Every Trend

1. Listen to Your Body

Your body is constantly communicating through symptoms, cravings, and mood changes. Pay attention:

Feeling sluggish? Your diet might need a tweak.
Breaking out? Your products or stress levels could be the culprits.
Tired after eating? Look at food quality and portion sizes.

2. Embrace Simplicity

Simplifying your wellness routine doesn’t mean giving up—it means focusing on quality over quantity:

Choose products with minimal ingredients.
Focus on whole foods rather than processed ones.
Prioritize rituals that feel intuitive rather than forced.

3. Build Your Wellness Toolbox

Instead of relying on fleeting trends, invest in timeless tools:

A journal for tracking moods, symptoms, and gratitude.
A meditation cushion or app for mindfulness.
Natural, multitasking products like oils or herbal teas.

Redefining Wellness

Wellness is not about chasing perfection; it’s about creating harmony between mind, body, and spirit. By blending ancient wisdom with modern tools, you can build a life rooted in authenticity and balance.

The next time a wellness trend pops up on your feed, pause. Ask yourself:

Does this align with my needs and values?
Is it grounded in evidence or wisdom?
Does it simplify or complicate my life?

Closing Thoughts

Wellness isn’t found in the latest trend—it’s cultivated through intentional choices, trust in your intuition, and honoring the practices that resonate with you. Ancient remedies and modern mindfulness offer us the tools to live in harmony with our bodies and the world around us.

You don’t need to follow the crowd to thrive. Instead, build your own path, one thoughtful choice at a time.