On all fours or off to a wilderness retreat? How Hongkongers are reclaiming their calm

Hong Kong's wellness trends continue to evolve, with residents turning to alternative therapies to restore balance and calm amidst high-pressure careers. Animal flow practitioner Ngai Tsz-wai, 40, finds strength, flexibility, and mental clarity through quadrupedal movement, which helps him reconnect body and mind. Ngai began his wellness journey a decade ago after participating in a local yoga studio class and now incorporates yoga, meditation, breathwork, journaling, and nature retreats into his routine.

Island Within, a wellness retreat on Peng Chau, offers a progressive journey through gentle yoga, qigong, sound baths, and inner exploration exercises to foster self-awareness. Founder Zero Chan, a singing bowl therapist and mindful yoga instructor, noticed increased demand for retreats during the pandemic and still hosts sessions weekly, providing companies and NGOs with on-site retreats.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, Bhakti Wong, a somatic psychotherapist and yoga instructor, leads retreats to Mongolia, free of traditional spa amenities. The nine-day retreat, priced around HK$25,000 to HK$30,000, includes horse riding, river rafting, archery, and shamanic ceremonies. Wong believes that immersing oneself in a different culture can provide a broader, more open perspective.

For city dwellers with limited time and resources, Jin Fong Ting, a counselling psychologist specializing in cinematherapy, suggests turning to films as a sanctuary. She explains how movies can act as an "affect bridge," connecting viewers to suppressed emotions through impactful scenes, ultimately helping individuals uncover underlying needs and bypass rational thinking.