Contemporary families and communities exhibit diverse cultural experiences and beliefs, which in turn has an effect on health-related behaviors, motivation to seek medical care and adherence to treatment recommendations.
Hedonic wellbeing may not be the focal point in societies which emphasize social harmony and the natural changes associated with life, such as collectivistic cultures.
1. Chinese Culture
Chinese culture is steeped in wellness traditions that range from immune-enhancing teas to anti-ageing breadsticks – but health beliefs vary depending on your generation and where you reside (urban vs rural areas).
Chinese medical beliefs hold that the body consists of opposing forces called Yin and Yang that work together, with illness occurring when these balances become disrupted. According to this philosophy, wellness in accordance with this theory emphasizes both self-preservation and social interdependence.
Chinese cultures tend to prioritize relationships over individual goals. Individual goals may take second place to group or family objectives. When listening to health care professional instructions, Chinese nodding to indicate understanding rather than agreement may occur – leading to misinterpretations by professionals or misunderstanding between family members. They avoid direct eye contact which may signal hostility or sexuality.
2. Japanese Culture
Hofstede ranks Japan among his highest-scoring cultures, signifying that people there prefer consistency and predictability in both services and practices. This can be seen through punctuality – appointments and services arriving exactly when expected) as well as social rules which reduce ambiguity.
As part of its collectivistic culture, Japanese behavior and communication is guided by the concept of face – which refers to an individual’s reputation, pride and honour – influencing both public and private interactions between women and men in society. Men often work outside the home while women take care of children and house chores. Furthermore, Japanese medicine and healing incorporate Kampo – an ancient Chinese martial art with numerous applications – religious shrines/temples healing along with western medical doctrines as part of its system of medicine and healing alongside western medical doctrines for medical treatments/healers.
3. Korean Culture
Due to years of civil conflict, Korea’s culture boasts an unique artistic sensibility. According to UNESCO, Korea’s cultural heritage results from “the mixture of various cultures.”
Korean people tend to possess high energy levels, keeping fit through activities such as jogging or eating a diet rich in vegetables, meats and grains. Furthermore, natural methods like fomentation baths or ginseng help boost their immunity systems and keep their immune systems strong.
Seoulers also respect elders and share an overwhelming sense of community, though modern families are becoming less extended as one-person households proliferate. Therefore, Seoul is taking proactive measures to prepare for an ageing population by providing social connections and employment opportunities while simultaneously encouraging active living through age-friendly initiatives.
4. Indian Culture
Indian culture places great value on health and wellness as being intrinsically linked. Family contact, building a cohesive community and remaining close to nature all play an integral part in well-being; Indians believe wellness comes from following strict eating and behavior guidelines as well as faith.
Indian households tend to follow an established hierarchy and line of authority, whereby an eldest male acts as family head while all members accept his authority. This system stems from India’s Varna System which divides society according to occupation or jatis (family of origin).
Wellness doesn’t necessarily refer to individual autonomy; rather, it means finding ways to balance an individual’s needs with those of his or her family, community and society; being aware of how actions impact one another is also part of wellness.
5. Thai Culture
Thailand is an exciting, modern nation, yet its culture remains deeply influenced by Buddhism and monarchy. Buddhism plays an essential part in shaping Thai beliefs, values, traditions, music, dance, cuisine, celebrations and festivals.
Thais tend to be modest and conservative. They place an emphasis on maintaining an harmonious demeanor and calm disposition and disfavor displays of anger or selfishness; any displays would be seen as loss of face in public and showing disrespect for those in higher social positions is unacceptable.
Karma plays an essential part of their lives, and families often encourage their youngest sons to become monks as they believe it will bring merit and bring greater good into the world. Furthermore, they believe strongly in spirits and afterlife.
