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Embracing Wellness: A Paradigm Shift in Healthcare

Marlé
21.04.24 03:01 PM Comment(s)

Introduction

When Dr. Halbert Dunn joined the Mayo Clinic in the 1960s, his mission seemed straightforward: develop a coding system to track chronic diseases. However, his journey led him to a profound realisation about the nature of health and wellness.

The Birth of a New Perspective

Dunn's work uncovered a startling truth, many individuals were predisposed to chronic illnesses due to what he termed low-level wellness. His research ignited a paradigm shift, emphasising the importance of transitioning patients to a state of high-level wellness.

A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

Dunn's insights challenged the conventional notion of health as merely the absence of disease. Instead, he envisioned wellness as a multifaceted concept encompassing mental, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual well-being. This holistic perspective laid the foundation for a new understanding of health.

Defining Wellness Today

Today, Dr. Pieter du Toit at ​EduNomix™​ defines wellness as a holistic endeavour, embracing the POSIES approach encompassing Physical, Occupational, Social, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual wellness. It prioritises enhancing well-being over treating illness, reflecting a multidimensional perspective acknowledging the interconnected aspects of human experience.

Today we understand wellness in the following terms:

  • Wellness is holistic, working with the human person as a bio-psychosocial system.
  • It is salutogenic, aiming to improve and enhance well-being rather than just treating illness.
  • Wellness is multidimensional, covering psychological, social, physical, and spiritual aspects.
  • It promotes non-invasive and complementary practices, encouraging self-care.
  • Beneficial for preventative healthcare, wellness is both popular and trending in marketing.
  • In clinical settings, wellness is scientifically founded, based on the latest research findings.

The Role of Self-Care and Prevention At the heart of the wellness paradigm lies the principle of self-care. By empowering individuals to take an active role in their health, wellness practices promote preventive healthcare. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the risk of disease and foster overall well-being.

From Theory to Practice

While the concept of wellness has gained academic recognition, its integration into modern healthcare systems remains incomplete. Despite the prevalence of disease-focused models, there is a growing need for practitioners who prioritise holistic well-being. Organisations like the​ Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners​ (ASCHP) play a vital role in advocating for the adoption of wellness principles in clinical practice.

Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, embracing the wellness paradigm offers a transformative path forward. By recognising the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, we can cultivate a culture of health that extends beyond the absence of illness. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we can build a future where wellness is not just a goal but a way of life.
Professor Marius Herholdt
President Association for Supportive Counsellors & Holistic Practitioners at ASCHP (SAQA: 984).