Wellness therapies

• PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Exercise, lifestyle modification, meditation, nutritional therapies, stress reduction, therapeutic massage

DEFINITION: Therapies to increase one’s well-being and to minimize the chance of becoming ill

Overview

Wellness exists on a continuum that ranges from disease and disability to the optimal health that a person can realistically achieve. Wellness therapies are forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Complementary medicine combines allopathic (conventional) and alternative techniques, whereas alternative medicine is a substitute for allopathic medicine. Wellness therapies differ from other forms of CAM in that they focus on a lifestyle that reduces the risk of illness. Other CAM therapies encompass the diagnosis of an illness, determining the underlying cause of that illness, and then prescribing a treatment regimen to cure or reduce the impact of a disease.

Wellness therapists assist their clients in periodically assessing their risk of illness. Following this assessment, behavior modifications are determined, which will lower the risk of illness. In essence, wellness therapy is proactive, preventive health care. Both allopathic and CAM practitioners incorporate wellness therapies in their practice.

Mechanism of Action

Wellness therapies are based on the principle of a healthy physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual lifestyle. Wellness therapy also emphasizes a healthy diet. Wellness therapists, for example, often educate their clients about the dangers of refined and preserved foods, which include additives and are often high in sugar, fat, and cholesterol. A wellness regimen may include a vegetarian diet or reduced meat consumption, particularly red meat. Dietary plans are developed for persons who are overweight. A regular exercise program is a component of wellness medicine. Stress reduction is another component. Various stress-reduction techniques are employed, including massage, aromatherapy, meditation, and yoga. Allopathic physicians also recommend vaccination for childhood diseases and influenza vaccination for the population or persons in high-risk subgroups.

Uses and Applications

Exercise. Evidence has long shown that regular exercise, as little as a brisk walk five days per week for thirty to forty-five minutes, can increase the effectiveness of the body’s immune system. This boost can improve the circulation of cells that fight off viral and bacterial infections. Studies show that increased exercise can reduce the number of sick days a person takes and their healthcare costs.

Many health experts claim that inactivity is as great a health risk as smoking. Even slender men and women who do not exercise are at higher risk of death and disease. Other studies have shown that exercise reduces the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and breast cancer recurrence and mortality by approximately 50 percent. Exercise reduces instances of stroke by 27 percent, of Alzheimer’s disease by about 40 percent, of colon cancer by more than 60 percent, and of depression and anxiety.

Meditation.Meditation involves entering a state of extreme relaxation and concentration. During meditation, the body is in a restful state, and the mind is freed of surface thoughts. Several major religions, such as Buddhism and Daoism, embrace meditation. However, meditation does not necessarily require a religious or spiritual component for practice. Many persons who meditate regularly report that doing so improves their concentration and ability to deal with life's stresses. One may even attend a meditation retreat in a remote or relaxing setting.

Naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine embraces the concept of whole medicine. The basic concept of naturopathy is that the body has an innate ability to heal and maintain itself. Naturopathic medicine embraces the concept of whole medicine. The basic concept of naturopathy is that the body has an innate ability to heal and maintain itself. It incorporates body manipulation, herbs and nutritional supplements, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes, such as incorporating stress-relieving activities into daily life, choosing a healthy diet, and exercising.

Nutritional therapies. A wide range of nutritional therapies are available in all branches of complementary, integrative, and traditional medical practices, and it is often a component of conventional and allopathic medicine. Most medical practitioners, holistic medicine specialists, and wellness therapists embrace a healthy diet as a foundation for attaining and maintaining good health. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) may be offered by a registered dietitian, a primary care provider, or a range of wellness specialists to meet an individual's nutrition and health goals. Mapping micro- and macronutrient intake, planning healthy meals, using functional foods, and learning the importance of ingesting quality ingredients are essential for all patients on a wellness journey. Individuals who are predisposed to a specific condition like diabetes, heart disease, or specific types of cancer may wish to adapt their nutrition to prevent or delay the onset of illness. Nutritional therapies can provide this service and help monitor an individual’s progress.

Reflexology. This therapy, also called zone therapy, uses gentle pressure in specific areas of the feet that are believed to be connected to areas of illness in the body to improve health. Ideally, reflexology should relax and destress the individual and give them more energy. In a systematic review of seventeen studies, researchers found that reflexology boosted feelings of well-being. For many, it offers great stress relief.

Stress reduction. All whole-medicine therapies embrace the concept of stress reduction. These techniques often incorporate wellness therapies, such as meditation, aromatherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, mindfulness, or exercise. Practicing these techniques outside in nature may improve their stress-relieving abilities and improve overall mood.

Acupuncture. Acupuncture aims to balance the body and stimulate energy flow (Qi) by inserting tiny, thin needles into specific, strategic spots on the body. For example, the Pericardium-6 (P6) on the inner forearm and the Heart-7 on the wrist may be targeted to lower stress and anxiety, the Yin Tang between the eyebrows promotes clarity and calms the mind, and the Governing Vessel-20 on the top of the head is used to promote a calm, relaxed state. Some science supports using acupuncture for overall wellness, but research is mixed.

Therapeutic massage. Therapeutic massage involves holding, causing movement, and applying pressure to the body’s soft tissue. The manipulations are performed to promote health and wellness by reducing pain, muscle spasms, and stress. Adjunctive therapies, such as aromatherapy or soothing music, often accompany therapeutic massage. Massage therapy has been reported to improve circulation for both blood and lymphatic system, reduce muscular pain, reduce joint pain, increase range of motion, relieve stress, relieve tension headaches, enhance postoperative recovery, and promote rehabilitation after an injury.

Traditional Chinese medicine.Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a form of CAM that is commonly practiced in Asia. TCM has advocates in the Western world and is increasing in popularity. TCM is a holistic approach to health that attempts to bring the body, mind, and spirit into harmony. It consists primarily of herbal medicine but also embraces acupuncture, nutritional therapy, and massage.

Scientific Evidence

Inasmuch as wellness therapies are based on the principles of a healthy lifestyle, the benefits are clear. Many scientific studies have documented the health hazards of an unhealthy lifestyle. These hazards include smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol to excess, a poor diet, and obesity.

Choosing a Practitioner

In allopathic medicine, family practitioners, internists, and obstetrician-gynecologists are the most likely to incorporate wellness therapies into their practices. However, other medical specialists may incorporate wellness therapies pertinent to their specialties. For example, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend an exercise program or a course of physical therapy. CAM practitioners, such as whole-medicine practitioners and naturopaths, often advocate wellness therapies.

The training of practitioners who incorporate wellness therapies ranges from graduate or postgraduate education to no formal training. Persons who want to use wellness therapies should ascertain the credentials of any practitioner, regardless of professional degree. It is appropriate to ask what professional degrees the practitioner holds, where the training occurred, and if they are a member of any professional organizations.

Safety Issues

Wellness therapies can become harmful only if done to excess. For example, exercise to the point of exhaustion could result in a heart attack or other medical condition.

Bibliography

Davis, Carol M. Integrative Therapies in Rehabilitation: Evidence for Efficacy in Therapy, Prevention, and Wellness. 4th ed., Routledge, 2024.

Donatelle, Becky. Health The Basics. 14th ed., Pearson, 2022.

Ditchek, Stuart, et al. Healthy Child, Whole Child: Integrating the Best of Conventional and Alternative Medicine to Keep Your Kids Healthy. Harper Paperbacks, 2009.

Vermeesch, Amber L., et al. “New Advances on Wellness Therapies Using Integrated Health Focusing on Nature.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 19, no. 16, 2022, p. 10313. doi:10.3390/ijerph191610313.