Darwin’s theory is based on the premise that the species that survive are those that are strong, resilient and able to adapt to their environments, in short: wellness. This quest for wellness is embodied in our DNA. In the Palaeolithic era, in addition to eating a mainly plant-based natural diet, it is estimated that one-third of the calorie intake of the hunter-gatherer was used up on physical exercise, which, combined with periods of ad-hoc eating (a form of intermittent fasting) helped balance their glucose and triglyceride levels.Being outside for most of the day also meant exposure to sunlight increased levels of vitamin D, which, in turn, would have boosted their immune system and aided bone repair and growth. Also, until very recently, people washed mainly in cold water which is known to boost circulation and enhance the immune system. Wild swimming and ice bathing (the latter being a recent trend spearheaded by personalities such as Wim Hof, Dutch motivational speaker and extreme athlete) have recently seen a notable resurgence in popularity). Historical studies have also claimed that hunter gatherers were devoid of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, hence the current trend and interest in the Paleo diet. However, it should not be forgotten that it was not just the diet that aided this result, they were also extremely physically active, continually moving throughout the day. Palaeolithic man also built the first spa treatment: sweat huts heated by hot coals (the first saunas), the remains of which have been found in all five continents.
When investigating the origins of wellness, it is impossible to ignore the influence of religion and it is widely recognized that an increased religious practice is associated with greater hope and sense of purpose in life. Many religions such as Hinduism, the Abrahamic religions, Buddhism and Taoism have influenced today’s concept of wellness, however it should be emphasized that religions are not segregated entities. Buddhist and Hindu practices and philosophies, for example, have not only been absorbed into the wellness industry, but have also influenced other religions.
Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion. It is often referred to as the Vedic Religion which refers to its ancient religious texts on which many wellness principles have subsequently been founded. From a wellness perspective, it is the doctrine of Karma, (the law of cause and effect) which affects an individual’s destiny and possible future lives, that has had a particularly strong influence. This concept has directly influenced some of wellness’s most prominent personalities, such as Rhonda Byrne (author of the best-selling book The Secret) or Louise Hay, who supported the claim that every thought that goes out into the universe has a direct impact on a person’s future. Additionally, Ayurvedic medicine (embedded in Hinduism), is recognized in India as a legitimate medical system. Ayurveda is considered person-centered medicine (PCM), in other words, the focus is on the individual as a whole, as opposed to Western medicine, where the focus is the treatment of merely the disease. Yogaalso comes from the Veda scriptures and is one of the six main branches of Hindu philosophy. Its Sanskrit yui means to yoke or to bind; the union of the individual soul and the universal soul. Outside India, yoga is often seen as movement or postures to improve physical and mental wellbeing, however, at its core, it is a practical system for reaching physical, mental and psychological wellbeing and self-realization. Yoga is scientifically acknowledged as being effective in reducing anxiety, improving flexibility and muscular strength, helping to prevent heart disease and stimulating brain function.
The origins of wellness, particularly in the West and Middle East are largely in part derived from the Abrahamic religions with their emphasis on faith and trust and obeying moral laws or codes of conduct dictated by a monotheistic God. However, out of all the religions, Buddhism has had the most profound influence on today’s wellness industry. This spiritual tradition was founded more than 2500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and since there is no belief in a supreme deity, it is sometimes considered to be more of a philosophy or life practice than a religion. Meditation (now widely practiced globally), in its Buddhist tradition is seen as one of the routes to spiritual enlightenment. In the 19th century, Westerners started to become intrigued by its benefits, and in the 1960s, young travellers to India and Nepal and immigrant Asians to the USA helped to boost the interest and popularity of meditation and mindfulness in the West. Clinical studies have shown that meditation, in addition to its positive effect on mental health, is beneficial in treating a range of ailments from irritable bowel syndrome to fibromyalgia and psoriasis, even though some of the studies have been criticized because of their limitations or approach. Nevertheless, there is robust clinical evidence that meditation is effective in helping to treat chronic pain, anxiety, stress and helps to lower blood pressure. Many professional athletes use meditation to improve their performance, and it is also slowly being introduced into schools to improve focus and concentration.
Taoism (also known as Daoism) has also had a strong influence on the wellness industry evolving out a Chinese philosophy that centres around the importance of connecting to a cosmic energy that flows through all things, the force being qi (or chi). More and more people have become attracted to exercise forms that promote the flow of qi or chi (such as Tai Chi and Qigong). Qigong has a history of thousands of years and its purpose is to promote the flow of qi (the vital energy of the body) through the body using precise repetitions of certain movements, breathing and meditation. In clinical trials, Qigong has been shown to be effective in reducing hypertension, strokes and improving heart function, blood flow to the brain and mind-body function. Tai Chi was originally a self-defence technique that has developed into a slow gentle form of exercise that is used for coordination, strength, balance and stress reduction. In Tai Chi, each pose flows into the next in slow, focused movements with deep breathing. As it is low impact and develops balance and connection to the body, it is an excellent form of exercise for seniors and people with mobility issues. As well as its physical health benefits, it promotes relaxation, improves wellbeing, and helps lower blood pressure. It is often referred to as meditation in motion.
Traditional Chinese medicine, which is integrated into Taoism is referred to as TCM. It is based on the premise that the energy qi is a vital life force that is said to flow through channels (meridians) to help the body maintain health. It is believed that two balancing forces yin and yang constitute qi, which, if disrupted, causes disease and illness. TCM aims to readdress this imbalance with treatments such as acupuncture. It is also believed that humans are interconnected to nature and the universe, therefore the balance of the body and external elements is essential to health. Treatments include acupuncture, cupping (a suction treatment using warm glass cups on parts of the body), massage, herbal treatments and movement such as Tai Chi. These treatments and exercise forms are now commonplace in spas across the world.
The World Health Organization has called for the integration of TCM and other traditional medical approaches into Western medicine if their quality, safety and efficacy have been proven. As yet, however, they have not gone so far as to endorse it. While China has promoted TCM and it is a growing market, like Ayurveda, from a Western evidence-based perspective, much of its effectiveness is up for debate. While some herbs have been found to have an effect in randomized controlled clinical trials, only a few have been tested for toxicity or carcinogenicity according to Western standards. Its critics also argue that there is no physiological evidence that qi or meridians exist. In defence of TCM and Ayurveda, it must be emphasized that both offer a holistic approach specific to the individual being treated, therefore the Western approach (where each drug is tested in double-blind clinical trials) is difficult if not impossible, particularly given the fact that its remedies are a mix of many ingredients which are individually prescribed. However, if such therapies are to enter the mainstream of medical health treatments, there is a pressing need for comprehensive clinical studies. At the other end of the spectrum, many wellness enthusiasts in the West have so much enthusiasm for and faith in ancient Eastern medical and wellness practices and its apparent magical effectiveness, that they do not seem to concern themselves with clinical evidence. The placebo effect, which should not be underestimated, has its part to play.
While looking at influences from ancient times, it is important to point out some of the wellness influencers. In addition to the Buddha, one has to mention Confucius. China’s most famous teacher and philosopher who lived 2500 years ago and had a direct influence on the civilizations of China and East Asian countries. His teachings have also trickled down into the modern wellness movement, such as equilibrium of the mind, diet, balance and avoidance of excess (an approach similar to some of the Abrahamic religious teachings). Scholars of Confucius’s philosophy such as Meng Zi (Mencius) expanded on Confucius’s teachings with further advice. This includes the notion that a healthy lifestyle can only be effective if it is constantly and properly pursued, and that people should not only embark on a healthy lifestyle when health problems start. This view mirrors the message of Halbert Dunn (the father of wellness) in the 1950s.
While Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism have had strong influences on the wellness movement in Asia, particularly with respect to mental wellbeing, it is also evident that their philosophies and advice have seeped into Western wellness approaches and religions. Their many benefits, such as collective harmony, avoidance of interpersonal conflicts and self-sacrifice may sound virtuous, however these can bring up certain conflicts, particularly in Asian cultures, such as limiting individual empowerment and emotional suppression. These benefits have also found themselves to be at odds with today’s market-orientated, individualist lifestyle. Despite this, their influence remains strong in wellness circles, as do the practices and therapies related to these ancient belief systems. More information about the origins of wellness can be found in our book entitled “Wellness for the 21st Century, thriving in a post pandemic world”, now available on Amazon.