Meditation and breathwork experts at Art of Living conducted research to identify the top wellness trends of 2023. Google Keywords Planner was used to analyze the interest level for each trend. In addition, the study touches on the definition of each therapeutic approach, its benefits, as well as the number of businesses in the US offering those services, and the prices per session.
Equine therapy tops the wellness trends garnering 205K online searches. Involving interactions with horses, equine therapy is used for mental health and developmental disorders. Compared to the other wellness trends listed below, Equine therapy has the highest number of service providers in the US, which also shows the growing popularity of the trend.
Yoga with dogs (Puppy Love Yoga) ranks second, attracting 150K searches. Not only is this
wellness trend the second in popularity, but it also has the second highest number of US businesses offering Puppy Love Yoga practice for stress relief and social bonding.
Goat Yoga holds the third spot attracting the interest of 115K individuals online. This wellness trend combines traditional yoga with playful goat interactions to benefit feelings of joy and mindfulness among its practitioners. In the US, there are only half as many service providers that offer Goat Yoga compared to the ones providing Yoga with dogs.
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) is the fourth most sought-after wellness trend, garnering 65K searches. Known for reducing stress and boosting the immune system, this Japanese practice involves spending time in a forest to connect with nature.
Ice Bath Therapy holds the fifth spot attracting 59K searches online. Often used by athletes for recovery after intense physical exercise, Ice Bath Therapy involves sitting in ice-cold water for a short period. Although the number of Ice Bathing service providers is on the rise, it can be practiced at home for just the cost of the ice.
Bird Watching takes the sixth spot with only 9K fewer searches, than Ice Bath Therapy. This wellness trend includes observing birds in their natural habitat and can be done for free with just a pair of binoculars for an enhanced experience.
Cow Cuddling ranks seventh in wellness trends, gathering the interest of 27K individuals online. This wellness trend has the most significant increase in interest, up 85% from last year, which is the highest on the list. Moreover, cow cuddling, known for reducing stress and offering emotional comfort and relaxation, is the most affordable therapeutic session, costing only $20 per session.
Gardening Therapy (Horticultural Therapy) comes next attracting 7.5K online searches. Often used in therapeutic settings, gardening, and plant-based activities are meant to improve both mental and physical health.
Llama Trekking is the ninth most sought-after wellness trend with 1.5K searches. This therapeutic practice involves walking or hiking with llamas which blends physical activity with calming animal interactions. In the US, the number of service providers offering Llama trekking is similar to those providing Goat Yoga.
Dolphin Therapy closes the wellness trends with 1K searches. Interaction with dolphins is used as a therapeutic approach for emotional and developmental healing. The price for a single session of Dolphin therapy ranks as the second highest on the list, just after Equine therapy.
| Wellness Trends | Searches | Definition | Benefits | Price Per Session |
| equine therapy | 205000 | A therapeutic approach involving interactions with horses to promote emotional growth and healing is often used for mental health and developmental disorders. | Emotional Awareness, Improved Motor Skills. | $150 to $200 |
| Yoga with dogs | 150000 | A yoga practice that includes dogs, aiming to enhance the physical workout with the emotional benefits of interacting with animals. | Stress Reduction, Social Bonding. | $39.99 |
| Goat Yoga | 115000 | Yoga is performed in the presence of, and sometimes interacting with, playful goats, combining traditional yoga benefits with animal therapy. | Joy and Playfulness, Mindfulness. | $20 to $40 |
| Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) | 65000 | A Japanese practice of immersing oneself in a forest environment to enhance health, wellness, and happiness. | Reduced Stress, Boosted Immune System. | $50-$150 |
| Ice Bath Therapy | 59000 | Ice Bath Therapy, also known as cold water immersion or cryotherapy, involves sitting in a bath of ice-cold water for a short period. This practice is often used by athletes for recovery after intense physical exercise. | Enhanced Recovery from Physical Exercise and reduced Inflammation. | $30 and $100 |
| Bird Watching | 50000 | Observing birds in their natural habitat, often used as a recreational activity that promotes mindfulness and connection with nature. | Mental Relaxation, Enhanced Attention Skills. | $75 and $100. The average annual spending by birders is mostly on travel costs, averaging between $100 and $400. |
| Cow Cuddling | 27000 | The practice of spending time cuddling with cows, intended to reduce stress and increase positive emotions through the soothing nature of the interaction. | Emotional Comfort, Relaxation. | $20 |
| Gardening Therapy (Horticultural Therapy) | 7400 | Using gardening and plant-based activities to improve mental and physical health, often used in therapeutic settings. | Physical Health, Mental Well-being. | $50/hour |
| Llama Trekking | 1500 | Walking or hiking with llamas, blending physical activity with the calming influence of animal companionship. | Physical Exercise, Nature Connection. | $60 |
| Dolphin Therapy | 1000 | Interaction with dolphins, often in aquatic settings, used as a therapeutic approach for emotional and developmental healing. | Emotional Upliftment, Social Interaction Skills. | $110 |
| Beekeeping Therapy | 20 | Engaging in the care of bees and bee colonies, used as a form of therapy that promotes focus, calmness, and a connection with nature. | Mindfulness and Focus, Sense of Achievement. | $150 and $500 |
