Cover Try one of these alternative wellness therapies for holistic healing (Photo: Balance Health)

Are you on the hunt for the best wellness therapy? From fork therapy, Japanese acupuncture, and reiki meditation––we're listing alternative ways of healing available in the city

Hong Kong has nothing short of wellness options––from spa treatments and yoga studios, to activities such as forest bathing. But there are other ways that you might not have heard of.

If you're looking for the best healing method that works for you, or if you just want to have a go at something new, we've listed some alternative wellness therapies to try in the city.

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1. Fork Therapy

Fork therapy is a non-invasive therapy that produces deep and penetrating sound effects which help the body and mind relax, release tension, maintain calm, and also enhance emotional balance.

This type of therapy uses sound to help facilitate changes in our brainwaves causing the vibration and frequency to alleviate our energy. Fork therapy uses Angel Turners, a unique set of three high pitched tuning forks and that helps vibrate your cranial bones, putting you into a meditative state.

Alive Wellness; Room 602, Yu Yuet Lai Building , 43–55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong; alivewellness.hk

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2. Gong Bath

Gong Bath is another type of sound therapy where the sound of a gong helps induce a state of meditation and relaxation. This facilitates the movement of the chi or prana––our positive life force––throughout the body.

The vibrations help eliminate tension, stimulate circulation, and rejuvenate the parasympathetic nervous system. Through the sound of the gong, you experience a sense of peace, transforming you from an awake state (Beta) to a lucid dream state (Theta).

Red Doors Studio; Flat A, Floor 21, Lee Fund Centre, 31 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong; red-doors.com

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3. Japanese Acupuncture

Japanese acupuncture differs slightly from Chinese acupuncture in that the techniques used are often much gentler and more subtle. While Chinese acupuncture uses traditional concepts of the five elements like in traditional Chinese medicine, Japanese acupuncture leans more on western medicine terminology. The needles used are also much thinner and insertion is more shallow––making sure you feel almost nothing.

This is why Japanese acupuncture is suitable for all ages, be it infants, children, or the elderly. Japanese acupuncture treats a number of problems including indigestion, anxiety, chronic neck and back pain, and common mental health issues such as anxiety, mood swings, and insomnia.

The Round Clinic; 12/F, 1227–28, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong; theroundclinic.com

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4. Chinese Energetic Medicine (Yuen Method)

The Yuen Method was developed by Dr Kam Yeun as a result of his lifelong study and experience as a 35th generation Shaolin master. This non-invasive technique helps build the mind's resilience against negative thoughts and emotions by quickly locating your body and mind's imbalances that are causing pain and illnesses. This is done through muscle testing (kinesiology) to locate your weak energy signals.

Your body will be put in a relaxed state so the practitioner can identify deep core issues that you are experiencing in life to eliminate them. This is also to make sure that the mind and body are in harmony. The Yuen Method is meant to alleviate anxiety, digestive issues, phobias, and depression.

Balance Health; 2705, 27/F, Universal Trade Centre, 3–5 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong; balancehealth.com.hk

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5. Crystal Energy Healing

The Crystal Energy Healing method works with the vibrating energy of the crystals to relax, clear, and energise the body and mind. While it might not cure ailments or protect you from diseases, the components of crystals are great conduits to channel energy for healing, fertility, and spiritual growth.

This works with identifying the type of stone you need––each stone is different depending on your mood, worries, and desires. Crystals like diamonds, sapphire, ruby, amethyst, citrine, and tourmaline naturally vibrate at a higher frequency so they are the best choices to keep you energised.

All About You Centre; 10A Wing Cheong Commercial Building,19–25 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; allaboutyoucentre.com

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6. Reiki Meditation

Reiki Meditation is used to restore harmony in the mind, body, and spirit by balancing the chakra. The word 'reiki' is derived from two Japanese words, rei which means universal and ki which means energy.

This therapy uses gentle touches which in turn amplifies and balances the energy in your body by allowing your reiki to naturally flow around your body. The method is similar to acupuncture minus the needles. Through this, your body will release stress and tension, help you sleep better, and relieve pain.

Corie Chu Healing; 18–20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Car Po Commercial Building, Suite 1504, Central, Hong Kong; coriechu.com

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7. Cupping Therapy

Cupping is a Chinese healing practice that's been loved by Olympic athletes, thanks to gold medalist and swimmer Michael Phelps donning circular marks across his shoulders during the Rio Olympics.

The technique makes use of acupressure points and the flow of the Qi in the body. This works by placing the cups on the skin to create suction, allowing the rapid release of harmful toxins, facilitating better blood flow, and maintaining the flow of the Qi. Cupping mainly helps with pain, inflammation, and relaxation which is similar to a deep-tissue massage.

The Mandarin Spa; The Mandarin Oriental, 24/F, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong; mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong/victoria-harbour/luxury-spa

8. CBD Massage

CBD’s all the rage in the wellness, dining beauty scene nowadays. The benefits of CBD include helping to reduce stress, anxiety and inflammation. There are two ways to include CBD in your massage therapy—either in the oil being used or taking CBD tea before the massage.

Over at the newly opened Chaless Beauty and Wellness in Central, the CBD massage makes use of the blend of CBD, lavender and evening primrose essential oils, and the sweet almond and tamanu oil. This allows muscles to relax, mood to enhance and to ease the aches of your body. It also promotes healthy sleep.

The Chaless Wellness and Beauty, G/F, 16 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 6829 1055, thechaless.com

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9. Acuglow Treatment

CBD, acupuncture, massage and bodywork therapy? If you want to experience all that in one, Balance Health’s facial Acuglow treatment is the answer.

Blending in Chinese medicine, CBD, acupuncture, facial and bodywork, this treatment is perfect for healing acne, scars, signs of ageing and even stress. It begins with a 15-minute consultation with a Chinese Medicine practitioner who will assess your health condition, followed by aromatherapy on 2–3 Meridan points.

Then, you’ll experience facial acupuncture where needles are inserted at acupressure points and allow energy and endorphins to be released. You will also undergo deep relaxation through a singing bowl meditation.

The next part focuses on cellular rejuvenation and unlocking energy blockages in your body by fusing CBD, energy medicine, gua sha and massage—enhancing both your skin and your overall well-being.

Balance Health; 2705, 27/F, Universal Trade Centre, 3–5 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong; balancehealth.com.hk

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This article was originally published on September 9, 2020 and was updated on November 9, 2021.

 

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