Tourists from all over the world throng Thailand, one of the hottest destinations. It is also leading the Asian countries in medical tourism. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, Thailand ranks 15 in medical tourism and is the only Asian country to rank in the first 20 countries worldwide.
This medical tourism trend is on the rise in Thailand due to several factors. As most of the population follows Buddhism, the tranquillity associated attracts many looking to relax, revitalize and rejuvenate in some natural environs (Thailand, as we know, is blessed with natural beauty).
It has several places where you can find health and wellness retreats; however, we will talk about Koh Phangan health retreats only in this article.
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Why Koh Phangan?
Koh Phangan offers more than its widespread reputation for full moon or half-moon parties. The place is scenic, with pristine beaches to awe-striking waterfalls and views. The area is still developing which means, the beaches are less crowded, roads have less traffic making the whole atmosphere much quieter.
These factors have added to the medical tourism possibilities now reaped by the resorts and locals.
So, where is Koh Phangan?
You may be tempted to know where this beautiful and tranquil place is located in Thailand.
Koh Phangan is an island situated in the southeast of the country. It is the fifth-largest island in Thailand, lying 12 km from Koh Samui and 70 km from the main island. There is no airport on Koh Phangan. So, the most common transportation mode is through ferries, another attraction you must consider visiting a beautiful place. FERRY HATERS should try it too!
People whose goal is to achieve good health should check-in to a health retreat; we have curated a list of some of the best health retreats to save you time and effort.
1 – Ananda Yoga and Detox Center
The place offers so much more than just good health, what else do you want? Irrespective of your goals, you will cherish every moment spent in the high set bungalows at the Ananda Yoga and Detox Center.
Location: A few meters away from the beach and across the road, Ananda is truly a heavenly place to be. Airlines have started operating, but a boat ride makes the trip memorable, any day.
Retreat: At Ananda Yoga and Detox Center, mother nature plays a vital role in healing your mind and soul. The two wellness programs are only precursors to what you can have here.
- Detox: Ananda adds to your wellness quotient with its detox programs, a perfect combination of holistic therapies and science. You will be surprised to avail such comprehensive programs at an affordable rate.
- Yoga Retreat: Yoga training at the Ananda will train your body to enhance your senses, eventually making you stronger – emotionally, mentally, and psychologically. In association with Yama Yoga studios, you are in good hands. All the teachers imparting lessons are learned and highly qualified.
Accommodation: At Ananda, mostly pre-booking is the norm. A family member aged above 16 or a partner can stay at an additional cost. Ananda offers three room settings, starting from a yoga dorm with no hammock or elevated view to an elevated bungalow with a hammock and an elevated view.
2 – The Yoga Retreat
Koh Phangan and its beauty will stay in your memories forever. And your time at The Yoga Retreat is only going to add to the overall experience. Must say, a perfect tropical holiday.
Location: Nestled in the lush tropical jungle, The Yoga Retreat is just opposite the main road going to the north-west. The health and wellness retreat lies ahead of Mae Had and after Had salad turnoff. The scenic locale will make you connect with yourself like no other place.
Retreats: Programs curated work primarily to detoxify your system to rejuvenate and revitalize the senses. All guests can choose from 11 detox diets along with yoga options of their choice. With breathing, meditation, and chanting, the place comes alive.
- Detox: The Yoga Retreat combines detox diets with yoga to all those opting. However, the trainers may recommend walking, swimming, medication for optimum health benefits. Colema room with self-colema irrigation two times a day.
- Yoga: Each student is assisted individually in the Mysore style of yoga – Ashtanga yoga asana. Students get ample time to perfect a particular asana. Hatha yoga is also taught at the retreat.
Accommodation: Both the programs are available with or without accommodation. However, if the guest chooses to stay, 50% of the total cost must be paid before checking in. The Yoga Retreat offers eleven types of room settings.
https://www.yogaretreat-kohphangan.com
3 – Shakti Yoga Center
A perfect place to make your senses come alive. White sandy beaches, sights, and viewpoints, you wouldn’t want to leave. Shakti Yoga Center will help you grow mentally and emotionally with introspection and integration rolled into wellness programs.
Location:
There is no end to the natural ambiance with the retreat center set in a tropical jungle. Shakti Yoga Center delivers top-notch classes and programs for yoga, detoxification, massage, and healing for a more fulfilled life.
Retreats: Every health and wellness seeker can choose from the various healing programs offered. Meditation, Hatha yoga, and emotional detox, to name a few.
- Detox: Visit Shakti Yoga Center works to detoxify your inner self to reach that enhanced state of higher consciousness. The Detox programs at Smiley Retreat are aimed to make you feel healthier with self-healing.
- Yoga: Hatha Yoga and other programs are combined in the awakening program of Shakti Yoga Center. The morning mediation with yoga and inner healing takes you on the path of self-realization.
Accommodation: Located in a beautiful picturesque village of Srithanu village. The accommodation at Shakti Yoga includes transportation in a private car from the pier.
Smiley Retreat runs online programs as well.
Why is it a good place to visit?
There is not one reason you should visit Koh Phangan for. Medical Tourism aside, Koh Phangan is a beautiful island with white-sand pristine beaches, lush tropical mountains, entertainment, and quiet environs. There are only a few places you can have it all. Also, you will fall in love with the flora and fauna of the place. The weather is lovely all year round, neither too hot nor too cold.
And if you are a health enthusiast, you will love to learn the Wim Hof Method.
Wim Hof Method?
Wim Hof Method is a technique that teaches you to control your bodies to achieve amazing feats. It was developed by Wim Hof, a Dutch philosopher, an endurance athlete, and an adventurer. Hof can endure extreme circumstances in cold temperatures. He has developed his body with heavy training to control his breath, blood circulation, and heart rate.
You can find more information about Wim Hof Koh Phangan retreats following the link. Read about Wim Hof Method in Thailand here.
Hof believes if he could do it, anyone can do it. He imparts classes to teach the Wim Hof method. You can choose to attend it in person or online.
Some of the few unnatural goals he has achieved include standing in a container filled with Ice cubes for almost two hours, swimming under the ice for 57.5 meters, and climbing mountains in shorts. He ran in the full Namib Desert marathon with no water and ran half marathon North of the Arctic Circle with no shoes.
What is the Wim Hof Method?
Wim Hof and his son have developed two effective methods to increase the body’s endurance and strength to withstand any weather and condition.
Read on to know more about them in detail.
Breathing
To practice Wim Hof Method, sit in a comfortable position, breathe in 30 deep breaths quickly. Inhale through the nose and exhale through your mouth. Take a long breath and exhale out, now hold your breath as long as you can. Now again inhale and hold it for 10 secs. Repeat this action till you can.
Wim Hof claims that this breathing technique increases the tissues’ oxygen levels increasing adrenaline thereby making your body strong. Unlike regular breathing, in Hof’s method, oxygen levels shoot up in the tissues leaving no oxygen for the brain. This action stimulates the adrenaline rush in the body as a survival method. However, it is controlled and promises optimum function.
Ice baths
Along with the breathing technique, ice baths play an essential part in developing one’s endurance. Even scientists have proved that ice baths activate the autonomic nervous system and build a stronger immune response.
As you start practicing Wim’s method, your body is exposed to cold water (end your showers with it) every day. With regular practice, your body develops endurance to brave the cold for a longer span. Many Wim Hof method practitioners enjoy cold water showers more than they enjoyed hot water showers.
Benefits of Wim Hof Method?
To add credibility to his method, Wim Hof worked in association with some scientists to prove that his approach is practical and delivers several benefits to those who apply it.
If practiced regularly, it can benefit the human body in a myriad of ways.
- Improves Concentration
- Boosts immune system
- Improves mental health
- Enhances will power
- Boosts energy
- Manages fibromyalgia symptoms (but not all)
- Relieves depression symptoms
- Controls stress
- Improves sleep quality
- Lower blood pressure
Many kinds of research are underway to establish the root source of endurance developed with Wim Hof Method- whether breathing or ice.
How to get started with Wim Hof Method
You can start by signing up for the fundamental online course. The videos are in English, Dutch, German, Spanish, and French. You can watch these videos anytime and anywhere.
If you are someone interested in learning WHM, take advantage of the Wim Hof Method instructor workshops. However, no more than 25 participants are allowed at one time or can be smaller.
Warming: If you are pregnant or suffering from epilepsy, WHM is not for you. Also, if you have a cardiovascular problem, you should consult a doctor first.
Conclusion
Your lifestyle will pose several distressing moments you would want to break free from. Health retreats in Koh Phangan offer health and wellness programs to heal your body, mind, and soul. Apart from the regular programs, there is the Wim Hof method to increase the body’s endurance. Pick any of your choices and start your journey towards a healthy life.
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