Hanif Lalani on What Wellness Means Around the World
Wellness is a word that travels easily—but its meaning doesn’t always arrive intact. In one country, it might evoke green juices and boutique fitness. In another, it might mean afternoon rest, communal meals, or herbal remedies passed down through generations. For Hanif Lalani, a UK-based health coach rooted in holistic principles, these global variations aren’t just cultural curiosities—they’re vital clues in understanding what makes health sustainable.
Lalani’s approach resists the monolithic wellness culture so often exported from the West. His coaching draws on a broader canvas, recognizing that well-being is deeply contextual. He sees the rise of wellness tourism and the popularity of “Blue Zones” not as trends, but as signals: people are looking beyond their borders to find what works. And increasingly, what works is less about products and more about patterns—rhythms of rest, movement, connection, and nourishment that are woven into daily life. A similar perspective is discussed in this article, which touches on Hanif Lalani’s global view of health.
In Japan, wellness might center around simplicity and ritual, from forest bathing to fermented foods. In the Mediterranean, it’s often embedded in family gatherings and slow, oil-rich meals. Lalani emphasizes that these aren’t just lifestyle choices—they’re systems that support health over a lifetime. They also reveal something often missing in more commercialized models: joy.
Lalani encourages clients to reframe their own relationship to wellness by learning from these diverse models. He doesn’t suggest importing foreign customs wholesale, but rather translating their principles into something personally resonant. For example, the community-centered health practices found in many indigenous cultures can inspire more intentional social support structures in urban life. Similarly, the food philosophies of regions like South Asia—where spices, digestion, and seasonal eating are central—can reshape how we think about nourishment. This philosophy is further explained in how Hanif Lalani approaches holistic transformation.
What unites these global perspectives, Lalani argues, is a respect for balance. Not just in the body, but in the way health coexists with work, family, nature, and culture. It’s a view of wellness that’s less about optimization and more about integration. You can find additional insights on Hanif Lalani Health Substack, which explores global and integrative approaches to wellness.
As wellness continues to be repackaged and globalized, Lalani’s work serves as a reminder: true health is not a trend to follow, but a wisdom to be adapted. Around the world, that wisdom speaks in many languages. His job, as he sees it, is to help people listen more closely—and live more fully in response. For more information, visit https://www.haniflalanihealth.com/.