Ancient Korean health secrets

Feeling happy, healthy and energetic is as easy as tapping into the healing power of these time-honored traditions.

- —BY BRENDA KEARNS

Slow brain aging by ditching your shoes

You may have heard that walking barefoot eases foot pain by strengthening muscles. But that's not all: “In Korea, women frequently stroll barefoot—in their homes and also on government-maintained barefoot walking paths—because it's a great way to slow brain aging,” says holistic health practitioner Michelle Jungmin Bang, MBA, HHP, author of Sun & Ssukgat: The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness and Longevity. Indeed, Korean scientists say walking barefoot for 30 minutes a day prompts the release of energizing brain waves, improving focus, concentration, thinking speed, short-term memory and more.

OR DANCE Moving to the beat of your favorite tunes energizes 16 brain regions and improves communication between neurons, Danish scientists say. And that can prevent age-related memory loss if you do it daily.

The prescription that boosts joy!

Hiking in forests is a popular weekend activity for Korean women of all ages, and doctors are even prescribing forest strolls to quash stress. Now, North Carolina State University scientists say you're three times more likely to stay calm and happy if you treat yourself to a weekly walk through a tree-filled space. Green spaces improve brain function to steady your mood.