“Wellbeing” = “Well” + “Being”
What does it mean to be Well?
Wellness or Wellbeing consists of 2 words, “Well” and “Being“.
It implies that it is not only ‘Wellness’ that is required for health, but also ‘Being-ness’ – the state of being, therefore also reflecting the state of the mind.
Thus this principle acknowledges that being well encompasses physical, emotional and spiritual health.
The criteria for “wellbeing” varies individually. However, certain concepts are almost universal such as [1]:
- having a mission/purpose in life
- passion and love for what you do each day
- financial and social security
- physical vitality
- sense of pride in contributing to your communities
- quality relationships with family and friends; a close social circle
As part of the naturopathic encounter, the naturopathic physician will seek to understand the patient’s definition of wellness/well-being and strive to tailor goals and treatment towards it.
Naturopaths believe that a sense of wellness/well-being comes from the establishment and maintenance of optimum health and balance.
This is a state of being healthy, characterized by positive emotions, thoughts and actions.
Regardless of dis-ease/s, wellness is inherent in everyone.
If wellness is recognized and experienced by an individual, or if an an individual strives to return to that state of wellness, healing will occur more quickly and spontaneously.
In summary
- Wellness combines “Being Well” and “Living Well“
- encompassing physical, emotional and spiritual health, not just being disease-free
- finding passion, purpose, love, happiness, security, good relationships, God, etc.
- feeling like you’ve lived a fulfilling life
- Naturopathic treatment aims to bring one back on the path to wellness
Conclusion
This series of posts delves deeply into the 7 Naturopathic Principles that guide the practice of Naturopathy. Despite having learnt this in my 1st year at Wellpark College of Natural Therapies, writing this post has given me a better understanding and many new insights on the wisdom of these principles.
History and the doctors of old have so much to offer us from their experience and time-tested wisdom. It would be prudent of any modern physician or healthcare personnel to internalize these principles and apply them in practice.
I hope this has been of benefit to you. Please share if you found it useful, and subscribe below for future updates.
Moving forward, I will be writing more on the Naturopathic Theories.
These are based and built upon the Naturopathic Philosophies and Principles in the past few articles (links below).
Love, Peace and Health always,
J.T.
Posts in this series:
- What is Naturopathy?
- Overview of the Naturopathic Profession
- Naturopathic Philosophies: Vitalism and Holism
- “First, Do No Harm” (Naturopathic Principle 1)
- “The Healing Power of Nature” (Naturopathic Principle 2)
- “Treat the Cause” (Naturopathic Principle 3)
- “Treat the WHOLE PERSON” (Naturopathic Principle 4)
- “Doctor as Teacher” (Naturopathic Principle 5)
- “Disease Prevention and Health Promotion” (Principle 6)
- “Wellness” (Principle 7)
References
- World Naturopathic Federation. (2017). WNF White Paper: Naturopathic Philosophies, Principles and Theories. Retrieved from http://worldnaturopathicfederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/WNF_White_Paper_June-2017.pdf
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JT 