Netflix released a docu-series entitled (Un)Well, that explored the dark side of the wellness industry. Based on data from 2018, the wellness industry is valued at $4.5 trillion dollars. The industry can be broken into lots of categories like Fitness, Beauty, Healthy eating, workplace wellness and more. If you haven’t watched the show but are looking for some spoilers then you’ve come to the right place. If you want to watch it for yourself, stop reading, go watch the show then come back.

The series is complete with 6 episodes with each episode focusing on a very specific part of the industry. To give you a taste of the series we’ve explored three of the episodes here!

Essential Oils

Essential oils capture a plant’s scent or “essence” into a concentrated formula. A lot of these oils are used individually or in various blends and manufacturers claim that they can cause various ailments. Some of these ailments include headaches and muscle pain. The show explores some of the larger claims of essential oils even ridding cancerous cells in one’s body. Though essential oils have been praised for their positive impact on individuals the docu-series also highlights how essential oils have had negative effects on the bodies of users. Some of them have developed rashes and grown ill from essential oil usage. The essential oil industry has also become a breeding ground for pyramid schemes. It’s important that,  before trying anything that claims to improve your health, you do your research and consult with a doctor.

Fasting

Fasting has definitely been trending in the wellness world in the last couple of years. There are even plenty of apps that help you track your fasts and keep you accountable, ensuring you don’t consume calories during your fasting window. Though fasting seems to have given many individuals quick, desireable results, is there such a thing as fast that lasts too long? (Un)Well takes us into the world of fasting and how too much of it has proved to be detrimental to the health of some of these individuals.

Ayahausca

Ayahausca is a brew made from the Psychotria viridis shrub along with the stalks of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine. Digesting this brew has apparently allowed people to have very spiritual, out of body experiences which has caused many individuals to go back to this drug. In fact, people from all of the world travel to places like Peru for Ayahausca ceremonies, whereas a group they experience the drug together. Keep in mind this drug is not legal in North America, which is what motivates individuals to go abroad. (Un)Well takes us behind the scenes at one of these ceremonies and shows us some of the negative and less favourable side effects of the drug.

The series has three more episodes covering the use of bee venom for healing, tantric sex and even the use of breast milk for bodybuilding. Have you explored the wellness industry or tried any of the practices highlighted in the show? What were your experiences like? Let us know in the comments.