Wellness

In naturopathic medicine, wellness is a central concept that encompasses a state of optimal health and vitality. But what and how does wellness relate as a naturopathic principle?

Wellness as a concept can be defined as a state of positive health or optimal well being that is established from positive lifestyle and dietary choices. The feeling of being well is a subjective concept that can only be defined by the individual. However, through the application of other naturopathic principles such as Docere naturopaths can guide patients in how to achieve their own level of individual well being. Essentially, wellness as a naturopathic principle emphasises that true wellness goes beyond the absence of disease; it involves nurturing various aspects of patient’s health to achieve a higher quality of life. This is vital for individuals who seek care from a naturopath as often naturopathy users have chronic diseases. While wellness is associated with the establishment of optimal health, well-being is based on an individuals perspective of their state of health. Part of the domains in well-being relates to key aspects of holism such as wellness of the physical, social, spiritual and mental aspects of health. These two definitions are not only naturopathic principles, but a clearly reflected the international health policy such as the World Health Organisation Lloyd et al,. 2021.

This short video describes the dimensions of wellness as a public health concept. As you will see from the video many of the dimensions are also covered in treating the whole person Tolle totum and holism.