Insider’s Guide to 2015 Trends: Wellness Traditions from the Islamic World

As a beauty and wellness enthusiast, I love reading about the healing traditions of various cultures worldwide—which is why the “Wellness Traditions from the Islamic World” trend, among the top 10 of Spafinder Wellness 365®’s 2015 Global Spa & Wellness Trends Forecast, caught my eye. The trend is driven by people desiring everything authentic and indigenous, yet, as our report states, “Given this massive authentic-experiential trend, it’s puzzling that the world has been unable to ‘see’ just how much the wellness traditions of the wide Islamic world offer—with 1,000-plus years of sophisticated, nature-based traditional medical systems and countless beauty solutions and body treatments.”

Here’s just a quick recap of wellness traditions central to Islamic worlds (for more examples, click here)—our trends report predicts more around the globe will experience these in 2015 and beyond.

Food
Seeking the next superfood? You may discover the following items cropping up on menus the next time you’re dining out—while “food-as-medicine traditions from Africa, the Middle East, and Malaysia have been underexplored” (from various spices to ancient grains to fruits), they’re experiencing a rebirth on several 2015 food trend forecasts.

• Teff: This gluten-free grain is high in calcium, protein, iron, amino acids, and fiber—and is truly diverse (teff is used in everything from cereals to salads).
• Turmeric: This spice is huge in Indonesia, headlining the traditional herbal medicine system known as Jamu for 4,000 years; it has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Beauty
What’s in your beauty arsenal? Argan oil may be, but probably not these other ingredients (yet!)—which hydrate, moisturize, and more.

• Camel’s milk: It boasts immune-boosting antibodies, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, and less fat than cow’s milk—and can be found at your local Whole Foods (under brands like Desert Farms); skin-care products rich in camel’s milk include Shea Terra’s Moroccan Lava & Camel’s Milk Nomadic Secret Face Masque and Skinue’s line of products, where the main active ingredient in brightening creams, hand creams, etc. is sourced from camel milk.
• Frankincense is infused with anti-inflammatory boswellic acids and monoterpenes —which are said to accommodate aging skin. Find it in brands like Aromatherapy Associates, dōTerra Aromatics™, and Ren Clean Skincare.

Spa/Wellness Treatments
The Turkish hammam and Rasul/mud rituals are highly profiled in the spa world, but wellness enthusiasts around the globe are taking note of other healthful treatments. Remember this idea for your next travel plans:

• Sand baths: The practice of sand burial/bathing dates back to ancient Egypt, with therapeutic benefits that include temporary weight loss and the relief of musculoskeletal and arthritic pain/inflammation (sand’s high heat capacity and low thermal conductivity warms the body gradually and evenly). The ritual can be reserved at Pyramisa Isis Island Resort, as well as the Ibuki area of Japan.

See what else is trending in 2015!