#Wellnesstrends

A new analysis suggests personality traits help explain why educated people sometimes adopt extreme wellness trends. The finding matters because these trends can harm health and spread misinformation online (The Conversation).

Wellness fads now spread fast on social media. Some trends pose real risks like raw diets or dangerous unproven therapies. Others remain harmless but lead followers toward more extreme beliefs. The Conversation review links these patterns to two personality traits in the Big Five model.

Revolutionary psychological research has identified specific personality traits that make highly educated Thai professionals particularly vulnerable to potentially harmful wellness trends, revealing why intelligence and advanced degrees provide no protection against health misinformation that can lead to serious medical complications. The findings expose how legitimate curiosity and social values become manipulated by sophisticated marketing campaigns that target Thailand’s most accomplished citizens.

The research carries urgent implications for Thailand’s healthcare system and digital media landscape, where wellness influencers increasingly target educated urban professionals through psychologically sophisticated campaigns that exploit natural human tendencies toward exploration and community connection. These targeting strategies have proven remarkably effective at convincing doctors, engineers, university professors, and other highly trained professionals to adopt unproven health practices that may compromise their wellbeing.

A new wave of psychological research reveals why highly educated Thai professionals can be unusually susceptible to scammy wellness trends. Intelligence and advanced degrees do not shield trusted professionals from health misinformation that may lead to serious medical consequences. Sophisticated marketing can turn curiosity and a sense of social belonging into dangerous choices.

The findings highlight urgent needs for Thailand’s healthcare system and digital media landscape, where wellness influencers increasingly target educated urban professionals with carefully crafted messages. These campaigns often tempt doctors, engineers, professors, and other specialists to try unproven health practices that could harm their wellbeing.

A new study reveals why highly educated Thais can be vulnerable to dangerous wellness trends, and how understanding personality helps protect public health in a digital age.

In Bangkok’s trendy studios and Chiang Mai’s retreat spaces, professionals chase the latest wellness practices. From elaborate juice cleanses to unproven supplements, Thailand’s rising middle class shows a strong appetite for health innovation. Yet a troubling pattern emerges: even the well educated can fall for misinformation that shifts from mild trends to risky practices.

Face yoga, a set of facial muscle exercises touted as a natural way to lift, tone, and rejuvenate the skin, is enjoying a global moment—supported by TikTok trends, wellness gurus, and hopeful adherents searching for non-invasive alternatives to cosmetic procedures. However, does the evidence match the buzz? The latest research, expert opinions, and international trends illuminate both the promise and limitations of this increasingly popular practice.

Originating from traditional yoga’s holistic approach to body and mind, facial yoga involves repetitive movements and exaggerated poses, such as “cheek sculpting,” “jaw firmer,” and “eyebrow lifter,” that purportedly counter wrinkles and sagging skin. Proponents argue that these exercises can strengthen underlying muscles, increase blood flow and oxygenation, and support natural facial fullness. Some Thai wellness influencers and beauty clinics have started to offer facial yoga classes, often incorporating meditation or traditional Thai massage, reflecting a blending of global, local, and ancient healing knowledge.

A compelling convergence is reshaping Bangkok’s beauty scene and Chiang Mai’s wellness retreats. Thai facial traditions meet modern muscle-exercise science, with face yoga gaining popularity as a natural alternative to invasive procedures. Practitioners perform targeted facial movements to strengthen muscles and improve skin tone, appealing to millions seeking an accessible path to subtle enhancement.

Rooted in yoga’s mind-body philosophy, face yoga translates movements into facial muscle engagement. Techniques like cheek sculpting, jaw firming, and eyebrow lifting mirror historic Thai court beauty rituals once reserved for royal consorts. Today, many Thai wellness centers blend these practices with indigenous healing traditions, creating culturally resonant approaches that fuse ancient wisdom with contemporary science.

Across Bangkok’s bustling beauty salons and Chiang Mai’s serene wellness retreats, a fascinating convergence unfolds between centuries-old Thai facial traditions and contemporary muscle exercise science. Face yoga—systematic facial movements designed to strengthen underlying muscles and improve skin appearance—represents far more than a social media trend for millions of practitioners worldwide seeking natural alternatives to cosmetic surgery.

This emerging wellness practice draws deeply from yoga’s philosophical foundation of mind-body integration, applying targeted muscle engagement to facial regions prone to aging. Modern practitioners perform specific routines including “cheek sculpting,” “jaw firming,” and “eyebrow lifting” exercises that mirror traditional Thai court beauty rituals once reserved for royal consorts. Thai wellness centers increasingly blend these techniques with indigenous healing practices, creating culturally resonant approaches that honor both ancient wisdom and scientific innovation.

A simple health habit is gaining traction among Bangkok professionals and urban Thais: the 6-6-6 walking approach. The idea is to walk for 60 minutes daily, with a six-minute warm-up and a six-minute cool-down, ideally around 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. The aim is to support weight management, mood improvement, and long-term healthy habits in busy lives.

What makes 6-6-6 appealing is its accessibility. No gym memberships or special gear are required. Some practitioners follow a version of 6,000 steps per day, six days a week. Research from leading medical journals suggests that higher daily steps correlate with lower mortality risk for middle-aged adults, underscoring benefits for Thais facing heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

A new fitness trend dubbed the “6-6-6 walking challenge” is sweeping social media platforms, captivating everyone from fitness beginners to avid walkers with its catchy structure and promising blend of simplicity and substantial health benefits. This routine, which involves walking for 60 minutes with a 6-minute warm-up and a 6-minute cool-down—ideally at 6 a.m. or 6 p.m.—is being lauded for its ability to support weight loss, boost mental health, and foster lasting healthy habits. As urban Thais face rising rates of sedentary lifestyles and associated health risks, the 6-6-6 walking philosophy offers an accessible alternative bolstered by credible scientific research and real-world adaptability.

New research is reshaping how we view cortisol, moving beyond the simple label of the “stress hormone.” For health-minded readers in Thailand, this shift invites a clearer understanding of how cortisol supports daily function and long-term health.

In Bangkok and across the country, many people have heard warnings about rising cortisol—from weight changes to sleep disruption. Social media often promotes quick fixes like “cortisol reset” or the so-called “cortisol cocktail.” Experts warn that such shortcuts can overlook cortisol’s essential roles and fuel unnecessary anxiety.

The latest international research and expert opinion are challenging the widespread reputation of cortisol as merely the “stress hormone,” calling for a more nuanced and positive understanding of this vital chemical messenger—a shift especially relevant for health-conscious Thais navigating the pressures of modern life (The Guardian).

Many Thais, from Bangkok office workers fearing “cortisol belly” to health enthusiasts influenced by global fitness trends, are frequently warned about the dangers of rising cortisol. Social media is awash with figures claiming that everyday stresses threaten to keep the body’s cortisol alarm bells ringing, linked to weight gain, poor sleep, and even immune dysfunction. Advice abounds on “resetting” cortisol through meditation, herbal concoctions, or ice baths, echoing global trends like the viral “cortisol cocktail.” But this persistent “cortisol panic,” experts warn, risks oversimplifying a hormone that plays a far bigger, and far more beneficial, role in our lives.

A viral health trend has spread on social media in Thailand and beyond: the so-called cortisol cocktail. This fizzy drink, often made with magnesium powder, coconut water, citrus juice, and sometimes Himalayan salt or sparkling water, is promoted as a natural way to reduce stress and improve sleep. Medical experts say the drink’s promised benefits are overstated, and science-backed results are limited at best.

The cocktail rose to popularity on TikTok and wellness communities online. Influencers claim the beverage lowers cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, by delivering key nutrients. In Thailand—where workplace stress and sleep problems are increasingly reported—this message resonates with working adults, students, and caregivers seeking accessible, natural remedies.

As viral health trends continue to sweep social media platforms in Thailand and beyond, the so-called “cortisol cocktail” — a fizzy blend claiming to ease stress and promote restful sleep — has become the latest wellness sensation. Despite its popularity, recent expert analysis reveals the health benefits touted by influencers may be overblown or, at best, rooted more in ritual than reliable science.

Originating on TikTok and other online wellness communities, the cortisol cocktail typically consists of magnesium powder, coconut water, citrus juice, and sometimes Himalayan salt or sparkling water. Influencers and practitioners promote the drink as a relaxation tool, attributing its power to lower levels of cortisol — the body’s stress hormone. In a region like Thailand, where rates of workplace stress and sleep problems have risen in recent years (WHO), the drink’s promise to provide relief resonates deeply with working adults, students, and caregivers seeking natural antidotes to daily pressures.

A growing trend among teenagers to pursue what they see as natural, “crunchy” wellness is raising new concerns among health professionals, who warn that teens embracing extreme eating habits in the name of health may be putting themselves at real risk. The so-called “crunchy teen” movement, which promotes natural foods, holistic remedies, and sometimes outright rejection of conventional medicine, is spreading rapidly on social media platforms and affecting adolescent behaviors worldwide, including here in Thailand.

A growing “crunchy teen” wellness movement is drawing concern from health professionals who warn that extreme, unverified practices can harm young people. The trend promotes natural foods and holistic remedies and sometimes questions conventional medicine. It spreads rapidly on social media and influences Thai youths as well as peers worldwide, making reliable guidance essential.

While the desire for healthier living is common, the crunchy teen phenomenon differs from ordinary nutrition advice. Some adolescents pursue restrictive diets, parasite cleansing, or raw and fermented foods based on online claims. A family medicine practitioner at a leading health system notes that the movement fuels the spread of misleading health information among youth, with potentially serious consequences.

A new wellness phenomenon, dubbed the “crunchy teen” trend, is taking hold among adolescents worldwide, with many Thai parents and educators beginning to notice the ripple effects at home. While this movement—which promotes a nature-focused, supposedly “clean” approach to eating—may sound healthy on the surface, recent expert warnings highlight an alarming rise in misinformation, extreme food beliefs, and real health risks linked to its practices. A leading family medicine specialist from Kaiser Permanente in Fairfax, Virginia, recently told US media that these trends could set off a new wave of disordered eating and anxiety among teenagers seeking dietary “perfection” rather than balance (wtop.com).

A global wellness trend dubbed the “crunchy teen” is reaching Thai youths, drawing concern from parents and teachers. While choosing natural foods can be positive, experts warn that misinformation and extreme nutrition beliefs are spreading, risking teens’ health. A senior family medicine specialist from a leading health system in the United States says these trends can fuel disordered eating and anxiety as teens chase an illusion of perfection.

The movement starts on Western social media and promotes avoiding processed foods, relying on unverified natural remedies, and distrusting mainstream nutrition guidance. Teens may encounter viral challenges, including parasite cleanses with questionable herbal doses or eating raw or undercooked animal products. Claims that parasite cleanses cure illnesses or that raw meat provides vitality lack scientific support and can be dangerous. Health professionals warn that raw meat can harbor bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.

A viral social media trend is reframing the age-old after-meal stroll as the so-called “fart walk,” claiming benefits for digestion, gut relief, and even blood sugar control. While the cheeky name has sparked widespread attention, medical experts confirm that the underlying health advice is sound, particularly for individuals struggling with bloating, gas, or metabolic issues.

The “fart walk” is not as novel as it sounds. In Thailand, as in many cultures, an after-dinner saunter—often around the family compound or local neighborhood—has long been practiced, sometimes as a way to connect with relatives or enjoy the evening air. However, recent online conversation has repackaged this gentle walk, typically taken within an hour after eating, into a wellness hack purported to ease gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort and aid overall health. The trend’s catchy rebranding may have helped drive new attention to some well-founded medical advice: walking after a meal genuinely encourages healthy digestion and offers a range of additional benefits.

With shelves across Thailand and the world increasingly stocked with convenient, eye-catching sachets promising instant relief from hangovers, dehydration, and migraines, so-called “magic” electrolyte powders have soared in popularity. However, new research and critical expert reviews suggest many claims behind these products are more marketing than true medical miracle—raising questions for health-conscious Thai consumers as these powders make their way into local trends and wellness routines.

Electrolyte powders, such as those sold under brands like Liquid I.V., are heavily promoted as cures for fatigue, headaches, post-exercise dehydration, and above all, hangovers. Market analysts project the global electrolyte powder sector could reach USD 4.6 billion by 2030, as such supplements experience a social media-fueled boom among office workers, students, and fitness enthusiasts alike (grandviewresearch.com). Yet, leading physicians and medical experts caution that the perceived benefits for most healthy adults are both overstated and potentially problematic.

Electrolyte powders are popular in Thailand as quick fixes for dehydration and fatigue. However, expert reviews caution that many claims are marketing-driven rather than medical breakthroughs. Thai readers deserve a balanced, evidence-based view.

Marketing around brands like Liquid I.V. portrays electrolyte powders as remedies for fatigue, headaches, and post-exercise dehydration. Global market analysts project the electrolyte powder sector could reach about USD 4.6 billion by 2030, driven by social media, office life, and fitness culture. Yet leading physicians warn that benefits for most healthy adults are often overstated.

In major Thai cities, wellness trends are evolving rapidly as people seek relief from stiffness, chronic pain, and sedentary work. A growing curiosity about assisted stretching—popular in places like Los Angeles—poses questions for Thai readers: what exactly is a “flexologist,” and does this approach offer real benefits beyond DIY stretches and foam rollers common in home routines?

Assisted stretching has moved from elite therapy to mainstream studios. In the United States, brands like StretchLab have expanded to hundreds of locations, attracting office workers, seniors, and athletes alike. Sessions are typically one-on-one and led by trained practitioners who guide stretches targeting muscles and fascia to improve mobility and reduce discomfort. While this model is new to Thailand, it resonates with a long-standing local appreciation for bodywork and mobility.

The streets of Los Angeles are increasingly dotted with signs for dedicated stretching studios like StretchLab, Stretch Zone, and StretchMed, part of a nationwide wellness trend fueled by the promise of improved flexibility, pain relief, and athletic recovery. But the growth of so-called “flexology” and the rise of professional “flexologists” has left many wondering whether this new hands-on approach to stretching is worth the hype—and what it actually offers beyond the DIY foam rollers and home routines so familiar to fitness enthusiasts in Thailand and abroad (latimes.com).

Lavender, a beloved herb known for its soothing scent, has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Today, scientific research is examining lavender’s therapeutic potential and translating centuries of lore into evidence-based wellness insights for modern readers.

Lavender’s roots lie in the Mediterranean, where ancient Egyptian and Roman cultures used it for perfuming, bathing, and medicine. The word lavender comes from the Latin lavare, meaning to wash, reflecting its historic cleansing use. During the medieval and Renaissance periods, lavender was common in monasteries and homes across Europe, valued for both health and fragrance.

Vitamin patches have emerged as a convenient, stylish alternative to daily pills. For Thai health enthusiasts, they promise easy nutrient delivery through the skin. Yet experts say the evidence supporting their effectiveness, relative to traditional oral vitamins, remains unclear. This raises practical questions for those seeking reliable nutrition support.

Patches work by sticking a vitamin-infused layer to the skin, often on the inner wrist or behind the ear. The idea is that nutrients pass into the bloodstream without a digestive journey. Marketers tout ease of use and pill-free convenience. However, medical professionals warn that the skin’s primary job is to act as a barrier. While certain substances can momentarily increase skin permeability, this does not guarantee meaningful vitamin absorption. In any case, most vitamins face challenges crossing the skin into systemic circulation, according to insights from internal medicine specialists cited in recent health coverage.