While the modern era brings conveniences to the busy masses like never before, it also brings an overwhelming feeling of unfulfillment. To combat this sense of feeling unwhole, many people are turning to old methods and adapting them to the new age.

The most common examples of this are calming practices originating from Eastern countries, such as yoga and meditation.  Classes are available in person and online for those who want to learn these skills and others that allow them to feel more present and attuned with themselves.

According to an article from the Washington Post, scientists have only just begun studying the effects of practices like deep breathing and meditation, and therefore there is not enough evidence to conclude that they make a significant difference in a person’s mental or physical health.

However, the article also said that several studies do suggest a correlation between mindfulness and relaxation resulting in overall improved mental health and physical well-being.

Some people also are claiming they find harmony by taking up older religions like Wicca. Tarot cards, horoscopes, and use of a Book of Shadows are common among the rituals performed.

Consumers can also buy older remedies, like essential oils or beauty products containing various natural extracts like lavender or witch hazel.

While all of these traditions and practices are linked to an older time, like most things in the modern world, some people today want to cash in.

On one hand, this can make helpful tools available to a wider range of people. For instance, HeadSpace, an online meditation video subscription, has been well received and labeled helpful by its users. The app currently has a rating of 4.9 on iTunes.

Unfortunately, it also brings along with it the prospect of corrupted commercialism.

An article from the Guardian points to some instances in which people had negative side effects after being sent on meditation retreats.

And while some examples of fortune-telling are cheap and harmless, others are more sinister and expensive.

Over the past few years, mediums and psychics have become popular, with examples such as celebrity medium John Edward and the television show Long Island Medium. They are popular for supposedly communicating with the spirits of the dead, but many have criticized them for using psychological tricks and preying on people who have suffered great losses.

Other companies have come under fire for promoting products that could be unsafe to use. Gwyneth Paltrow’s company Goop recently faced backlash for promoting a vitamin supplement for expecting mothers that contained high amounts of Vitamin A, which health professionals deem dangerous, only a month after paying $145,000 in fines to authorities in California for unproven health claims.

While returning to older methods to escape the stress of the modern world may be tempting and possibly beneficial in some regards, consumers should be careful about what they practice and who they give their money to.