LONGEVITY, EARTHING & CROSS-SENSORY

AFTER WINTER, WHEN THE SUN SHINES, IT'S ACTUALLY NOT WELLNESS TIME – OR IS IT?

Of course! It’s always the right time for wellness (laughs). But naturally, during the colder months, people long for warmth and retreat like saunas and steam baths. In our minds, wellness is strongly linked with these. However, it's not just about hanging out in a hot tub with a glass of champagne — although this is fun too, no question about it. Another perspective of wellness means getting in touch with the body and calming the mind. Taking time for “time-outs” contributes to our wellbeing and health. So, let’s talk about some current trends that pair well with summertime.

FOR EXAMPLE?

Kneipp therapy is back in fashion.

KNEIPPING? THE ANSWER IS LESS SEXY THAN EXPECTED.

Yes (laughs), Kneippen has not enjoyed an attractive reputation for a while. But, in my opinion, this is totally unjustified. This water ritual is now gaining traction as a way to promote longevity. From treading water to walking barefoot, the “Kneipp Effect” keeps you young and fit — and it’s scientifically proven! In our high-tech world, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we need to find our roots again. Despite digitalization, we are still terrestrial beings, which is why forest bathing and earthing are also trending.

EARTHING? IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING INVENTED BY EXTRA TERRESTRIALS …

There is certainly room for debate about terminology (laughs). Earthing may sound like sci-fi, but it’s the exact opposite. It's more about being grounded right here on earth … and getting out of the house into fresh air; swapping rubber soles for bare feet on grass. Earthing reduces the electro-smog load in the body and connects us energetically to the planet.

IT SOUNDS LIKE “BACK TO BASIC” IS THE ONLY APPROACH IN THE WELLNESS SECTOR?

Yes and no. In any case, we are moving more towards understanding people as beings shaped by evolution. This means taking their need for security and peace seriously, but with the added elements of technical innovations. “Cross-sensory” is the term we use that refers to multi-sensual design concepts. In addition to sight and touch, we also want to arouse someone’s sense of smell, taste and hearing to ensure a holistic and unforgettable experience. In contrast to the forest, which is a primal symbol of nature and easily accessible to most people, a cross-sensory concept for an interior space is often complex and technical, but the technology should be invisible. The key to designing a good wellness concept is that it should work intuitively and feel right in its own way.

FOR WELLNESS NERDS

Scent is becoming an increasingly important topic in the wellness sector. The sense of smell is directly linked to our limbic system. This means that scents grab us in the place where our feelings live. Sound also influences the body's functions. The ideal relaxation frequency 7.5 Hz (“wellness frequency”) is the so-called Schumann resonance, named after the German physicist Winfried Otto Schumann.

ABOUT NICOLE GOTTSCHALL

As owner and Head of Design of Go Interiors Zurich, Nicole Gottschall has been planning wellbeing concepts for private residences and hospitality projects for 31 years. In addition to working with her team of fifteen, she is a GWI Wellness Ambassador and lecturer for wellness, SPA and wellbeing at the Swiss Hotel Management School Lucerne / SHL.