The First Stage of Wellness

A major premise of energy medicine is that the body is not simply matter (solids and fluids) but energy as well. I am not talking about the endless energetic reactions stemming from the various chemical activities within the body but from a constant and systematic flow of "vital energy."

In Ayurveda as well as in yoga, it is called prana and for the Chinese it is chi. The flow of vital energy is present at the earliest stage of the embryo. It provides the blueprint of specialization of cells while positioning them in their respective place and with their proper function expressed by specific vibrations. Chi is not only vital because of its energy but also because of its transmission of information.

Energy medicine dictates that there must be a balance in the flow of vital energy, both in terms of quantity and quality. But energy is affected not only by what we do, what we eat and drink, but also by what we think and feel. Consequently, since energy is a critical element of the health of an individual, what anyone believes, thinks and feels affects his or her state of health and wellness. It follows that the first stage in achieving results toward wellness has to start with the relationship between our physical health, our emotional health, and our mental activity including thoughts and beliefs.

The Five Element Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine conceptualizes particularly well the interrelationship of all aspects and activities of humans. Nothing happens in isolation. Everything has and effect on other parts, be they physical, psychological or mental. As a result, what we think, believe, feel and do impacts all facets of our being like an echo bouncing back and forth.

Wellness centers have the opportunity to become places where people are coached to learn about themselves in ways that have generally been denied them. The purpose is to help them discover how they can holistically improve their lives. Often, people undertake self-improvement programs that focus on narrow areas of interest without creating the balance required to improve their state of wellness.

Holistic improvements are best achieved when a coaching staff works from a common methodology. A coordinated effort and a shared approach among various practitioners create a philosophy that defines the wellness center or spa. Wellness centers offer different modalities supportive of mind and body alignment.

Each modality should be supportive of the others and have a synergistic effect. A massage for the sake of relaxation can also incorporate techniques and products that and hands energetic balance. A facial can include a reflexology modality that rebalances all five energies. A tai chi class should not simply have a physical objective. It should equally emphasize vital energy flow and also be practiced as meditation in motion. The multiple effects or byproducts of treatments or activities create a synergy that comes from applying a common methodology to all aspects of the personalize program designed for each client.