7 traditional self-care practices that stand the test of time
2. Cupping
Above This traditional self-care practice uses suction to promote circulation, release tension and rebalance the body's energy pathways. (Photo: Katherine Hanlon / Unsplash)
The distinctive circular marks left by cupping therapy have become increasingly visible on athletes and celebrities, but this practice has been relieving pain for thousands of years. From ancient Egypt to Greece to China, cupping's persistence across cultures speaks to its effectiveness.
Modern practitioners appreciate cupping's ability to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and provide natural stress relief without pharmaceutical intervention. The negative pressure created by heated cups offers a unique approach to muscle tension that complements rather than competes with contemporary treatments.
Read more: Benefits of Chinese cupping 3. Gua sha
What might sound harsh—scraping the skin—is actually one of the most gentle yet effective practices in the traditional wellness space. Dating back thousands of years to the Ming Dynasty in China, gua sha operates on the principle that stagnation creates disease, while movement promotes health.
It involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool (often jade or horn) to promote circulation and reduce inflammation. The simplicity of the technique makes it particularly appealing for those seeking wellness practices to incorporate into daily self-care.
Read more: 8 things to know about gua sha, an ancient Chinese healing technique 4. Hilot
Above Rooted in Filipino healing traditions, this intuitive self-care practice blends massage, herbal remedies and energy work to restore balance. (PHOTO: Alan Caishan / Unsplash)
Long before massages became synonymous with luxury spas, Filipino manghihilot were practising their craft based on a profound understanding of the body's energy systems. This self-care practice centres on the belief that optimal health requires perfect harmony between life energies.
Unlike standardised massage techniques, hilot relies on the practitioner's intuitive touch to identify areas of imbalance. The rhythmic strokes combined with traditional herbal remedies don't just address muscle tension; they improve circulation while providing measurable stress relief and mental clarity. It's personalised medicine at its most elemental.
Read more: From spa packages to massages and retreats: The best ways to pamper yourself in Hong Kong and Asia 5. Jamu
Walk through any Indonesian neighbourhood and you'll likely encounter a Jamu Gendong vendor carrying traditional herbal remedies. This Unesco-recognised practice represents more than commerce—it's a living tradition where self-care rituals meet personalised medicine.
Made from turmeric, ginger and herbs, these concoctions operate on the principle of balancing hot and cold elements within the body. Modern science confirms what Indonesian grandmothers have long known: these golden elixirs reduce inflammation, boost immunity and aid digestion. 6. Onsen
Japan's onsen culture transforms a basic human need—bathing—into a profound wellness ritual. This self-care practice in natural hot springs originally served Shinto purification purposes before evolving into an accessible community health practice.
The mineral-rich waters improve circulation, ease joint pain and promote skin health, but the true magic lies in the meditative quality of the experience. Onsen bathing embodies sustainable self-care: using natural resources to create spaces for reflection and restoration that benefit both individual and community wellbeing.
Read more: Bath and beyond: 7 onsen destinations in Japan for a splashing good time 7. Sound healing
Tibetan singing bowls and gongs create more than beautiful sounds—they produce measurable brainwave changes that activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This ancient healing technique offers something especially valuable in our overstimulated world: a chance to tune in rather than tune out.
Sound healing sessions provide natural stress relief through vibration rather than touch, making them accessible to those who prefer non-contact therapies. The practice demonstrates how self-care practices can take many forms, each offering unique pathways to restoration and balance.
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Tatler Asia
10-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
7 traditional self-care practices that stand the test of time
2. Cupping Above This traditional self-care practice uses suction to promote circulation, release tension and rebalance the body's energy pathways. (Photo: Katherine Hanlon / Unsplash) The distinctive circular marks left by cupping therapy have become increasingly visible on athletes and celebrities, but this practice has been relieving pain for thousands of years. From ancient Egypt to Greece to China, cupping's persistence across cultures speaks to its effectiveness. Modern practitioners appreciate cupping's ability to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and provide natural stress relief without pharmaceutical intervention. The negative pressure created by heated cups offers a unique approach to muscle tension that complements rather than competes with contemporary treatments. Read more: Benefits of Chinese cupping 3. Gua sha What might sound harsh—scraping the skin—is actually one of the most gentle yet effective practices in the traditional wellness space. Dating back thousands of years to the Ming Dynasty in China, gua sha operates on the principle that stagnation creates disease, while movement promotes health. It involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool (often jade or horn) to promote circulation and reduce inflammation. The simplicity of the technique makes it particularly appealing for those seeking wellness practices to incorporate into daily self-care. Read more: 8 things to know about gua sha, an ancient Chinese healing technique 4. Hilot Above Rooted in Filipino healing traditions, this intuitive self-care practice blends massage, herbal remedies and energy work to restore balance. (PHOTO: Alan Caishan / Unsplash) Long before massages became synonymous with luxury spas, Filipino manghihilot were practising their craft based on a profound understanding of the body's energy systems. This self-care practice centres on the belief that optimal health requires perfect harmony between life energies. Unlike standardised massage techniques, hilot relies on the practitioner's intuitive touch to identify areas of imbalance. The rhythmic strokes combined with traditional herbal remedies don't just address muscle tension; they improve circulation while providing measurable stress relief and mental clarity. It's personalised medicine at its most elemental. Read more: From spa packages to massages and retreats: The best ways to pamper yourself in Hong Kong and Asia 5. Jamu Walk through any Indonesian neighbourhood and you'll likely encounter a Jamu Gendong vendor carrying traditional herbal remedies. This Unesco-recognised practice represents more than commerce—it's a living tradition where self-care rituals meet personalised medicine. Made from turmeric, ginger and herbs, these concoctions operate on the principle of balancing hot and cold elements within the body. Modern science confirms what Indonesian grandmothers have long known: these golden elixirs reduce inflammation, boost immunity and aid digestion. 6. Onsen Japan's onsen culture transforms a basic human need—bathing—into a profound wellness ritual. This self-care practice in natural hot springs originally served Shinto purification purposes before evolving into an accessible community health practice. The mineral-rich waters improve circulation, ease joint pain and promote skin health, but the true magic lies in the meditative quality of the experience. Onsen bathing embodies sustainable self-care: using natural resources to create spaces for reflection and restoration that benefit both individual and community wellbeing. Read more: Bath and beyond: 7 onsen destinations in Japan for a splashing good time 7. Sound healing Tibetan singing bowls and gongs create more than beautiful sounds—they produce measurable brainwave changes that activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This ancient healing technique offers something especially valuable in our overstimulated world: a chance to tune in rather than tune out. Sound healing sessions provide natural stress relief through vibration rather than touch, making them accessible to those who prefer non-contact therapies. The practice demonstrates how self-care practices can take many forms, each offering unique pathways to restoration and balance.
Tatler Asia
06-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
The future is fungi: 6 mushroom trends you'll be seeing everywhere
2. Reishi for stress and sleep Reishi has been used in East Asian medicine for over two thousand years and is increasingly being incorporated into modern wellness routines. Often called the 'mushroom of immortality', it is prized for its adaptogenic qualities, meaning it may help the body manage stress. Some studies suggest reishi may help regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and reduce elevated cortisol levels, both of which are linked to chronic stress and poor sleep quality. Reishi supplements, typically in the form of capsules, tinctures or teas, are marketed as part of evening rituals intended to promote calm and support more restorative sleep. As 'reishi mushroom sleep' searches grow, brands are leaning into its use in wind-down routines. 3. Chaga for antioxidant support Above Wellness fans caffeinate with chagaccino, which is a cappuccino infused with chaga powder. (Photo: Freepik) Chaga is a fungus that grows primarily on birch trees in cold climates and is known for its dense concentration of antioxidants. It contains polyphenols, melanin and betulinic acid—compounds linked to reduced oxidative stress and improved cellular health. In traditional Siberian medicine, chaga tea was consumed to support immunity and stamina. Today, chaga is often positioned as a detoxifying agent and included in powdered drink mixes, tinctures and capsules. While some antioxidant claims remain unproven in humans, laboratory studies have shown that chaga extracts may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. Because it's typically wild-harvested, sourcing practices and environmental impact are growing concerns among producers and consumers alike. 4. Tremella in skin care Tremella fuciformis, a jelly-like mushroom also known as silver ear or snow mushroom, has gained traction in the beauty industry for its impressive hydrating properties. Molecularly, tremella functions similarly to hyaluronic acid—it retains moisture and draws water into the skin—but its particles are smaller, allowing it to penetrate the skin more effectively, according to some formulators. It also contains polysaccharides that may support collagen synthesis and promote a smoother skin texture. The term 'tremella skincare' now accompanies a growing number of serums, sheet masks and moisturisers from both mainstream and niche brands. While clinical data remains limited, anecdotal reports and preliminary research support its use as a lightweight, effective moisturising agent. 5. Turkey tail for gut and immune health Above Turkey tail is rich in beta-glucans and polysaccharopeptides. (Photo: Kim Leary / Unsplash) Turkey tail, named for its colourful, fan-like shape, is a mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. It is rich in beta-glucans and polysaccharopeptides (PSPs), which are thought to modulate immune function and support the microbiome. Recent studies have explored turkey tail's role as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment, particularly in relation to immune recovery after chemotherapy. In the wellness market, it's often included in blends aimed at improving digestion, enhancing immune response and reducing inflammation. Its mild, earthy flavour makes it a popular choice for teas and broth powders. 6. Fungi-based meat alternatives The application of fungi has expanded beyond supplements into food technology, with several companies now developing mycelium-based meat alternatives. Mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, can be cultivated to produce protein-rich, meat-like textures with minimal environmental impact. Brands like Meati and Quorn are leading this space, offering products that aim to satisfy the demand for high-protein, plant-based foods without the processing typically associated with soy or pea protein. Mycelium products are being marketed as more sustainable and nutrient-dense, appealing to flexitarians and environmentally conscious consumers. Though not technically a mushroom in the culinary sense, mycelium is redefining what fungi can offer in a protein-hungry world. The mushroom is no longer confined to the culinary world. Whether used for cognitive support, skincare, immune modulation or sustainable eating, fungi—and their botanical allies—are reshaping modern wellness routines. As research catches up to tradition, expect mushrooms to remain central to the conversation about what it means to live well today. NOW READ Why saffron-based beauty products belong in your skincare routine 7 inspiring wellness books for a grounded, mindful life 10 perfumes that won't trigger your fragrance allergies
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The Southeast Asian skincare renaissance? How Koh Li Tim's Paloma is redefining luxury beauty through heritage
In the saturated world of skincare, this Malaysian entrepreneur is crafting a narrative that transcends beauty and merges cultural heritage, scientific innovation, and a deep connection to Southeast Asia's botanical treasures Koh Li Tim looks deep in thought. Ask him about his skincare routine and you won't get a superficial answer. He breaks it down, narrowing in on the ingredients that suit his needs and his overall wellbeing goals. A brief chat with the 35-year-old Malaysian entrepreneur tells me he takes wellness seriously, and he's not averse to putting in the time, research and hard work to create an amazing product. 'I'm actually really into wellness,' he says. 'This brand story has played into what I genuinely believe in. I love TCM (traditional Chinese medicine). I love a little bit of Ayurveda.' His daily regimen includes collagen peptides—'not just about healthy skin, hair and nails. It's joints and overall well-being,'—and a two-step hydration process combining hyaluronic acid products followed by oil-based products to combat dry skin. Paloma, the Southeast Asian skincare brand co-founded by Koh along with Sheryl Oon and Howie Lee is a thrilling new venture for the entrepreneur, and quite a departure from his other passions—automotive design, hotel aesthetics, and cultural exploration. Not merely another beauty venture; Paloma is where Southeast Asian biodiversity meets scientific precision, where centuries-old healing traditions merge with contemporary skincare science. Read more: Koh Li Tim Talks Lockdown, TikTok And His Favourite London Haunts Above Paloma is where Southeast Asian biodiversity meets scientific precision, where centuries-old healing traditions merge with contemporary skincare science (Photo: Paloma) Paloma boasts a considerable scientific advantage: an in-house medical scientist with a PhD and over three decades of cosmetic research expertise. This formulator, a family friend of co-founder Howie Lee, now divides his time between cancer research and developing Paloma's sophisticated formulations. "This doctor is actually a family friend of Howie,'s' Koh reveals. "He's seasoned and he focuses on cancer research. He actually researches Southeast Asian herbs... and that's what he's doing now as well as formulating for us." This scientific backbone gives Paloma the authority to bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary efficacy—a balance many brands aspire to but few achieve authentically. See more: Investment banker-turned-skincare CEO Kimberley Ho doesn't take no for an answer 'We started during the Covid-19 pandemic,' he says. The pandemic-era inception meant the brand development stretched over three years, with numerous reformulations and strategic pivots. Initially, the team experimented with Korean manufacturing, believing it would position them advantageously in the market. "We started making products in Korea because we thought that's where it's at. It was a lot of back and forth in those early stages, but the products were not as good as what our doctor was working on.' This willingness to abandon established paths when they don't serve the greater vision underscores Koh's commitment to authenticity over expediency where Paloma is concerned. Even the brand's original name, 'Slate,' was discarded when they realised their vision had evolved. Koh's background in automotive design might seem worlds apart from beauty entrepreneurship, but he sees clear parallels in the creative process. 'Coming from a creative background and a creative family, I think we seek to innovate, and that's what we do in hotel design, for instance,' he reflects. 'In school, I studied automotive design, and that was really the way you were taught. It's a constant thought process to innovate, so doing things run of the mill doesn't really work for me.' This design-thinking approach has shaped Paloma's development, from formulation to branding. The very name 'Paloma'—chosen for its quiet ambiguity: 'It could be a person, it could be a place,'—allowing the brand to transcend geographic limitations while remaining rooted in Southeast Asian heritage. 'Having lived abroad for a time, I absorb the places and cities I see,' Koh shares. 'I love seeing what people like and do and eat. Asian skincare has obviously taken the world by storm. Whether it's Japanese and Korean skincare—these things are so celebrated today.' It's in this rapidly exploding space that he sees Paloma growing considerably beyond even Asia: 'Of course, there's no brand that is quintessentially Southeast Asian—there's no such thing.' This observation became Paloma's North Star—to be the definitive Southeast Asian luxury skincare brand on global shelves, standing alongside established brands like Glow Recipe, Topicals, and Ranavat. Don't miss: Eleena Jamil on sustainable design rooted in Asian context I'm a tough and discerning consumer myself, and frankly, I only want the best. Not the most expensive or the most elite, but the best in function, craftsmanship, innovation, design, uniqueness, and money's worth. - Koh Li Tim - At just eight months old, Paloma has already established distribution in Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States. 'The dream for Paloma is to capture the US market,' Koh confides. This global aspiration doesn't mean abandoning Southeast Asian roots—quite the opposite. Paloma aims to expand its botanical portfolio, with upcoming products featuring Moringa Oleifera, Ginger Root, Centella Asiatica (Pegaga), and Piper Betle. In an industry where speed-to-market often trumps thoughtful development, Paloma's patient, heritage-centered approach might just be its most valuable aspect. And for Southeast Asian beauty traditions that have waited millennia for their global moment, a few extra years of thoughtful formulation seems a worthy investment indeed.
