Integrative Wellness is a practice and theoretical basis for the application of healing modalities, using a wide variety of techniques to address the physical, biochemical, social and spiritual dimensions of humanity. Integrative Wellness, among other health care philosophies, rests on that of innate intelligence, that healing comes from within, harmonizing with other techniques applied from the external world.
It is a section of health care with roots in Integrative Medicine, which can be defined as, “the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and disciples to achieve optimal health and healing.”
The two modalities have few but some distinctive differences. One difference is based on the English understanding of the term “medicine.” In the English dictionary, medicine is something used to treat disease or enhance well-being.
Native American philosophy broadens the English definition of medicine by defining it as “the presence and power embodied in or demonstrated by a person, a place, an event, an object or a natural phenomenon.” Medicine can be a material object, like an herb, an object, a kind word or prayer. It can be a stethoscope used by a caring and compassionate doctor. Medicine can be looked at as music, dance, love, laughter, exercise, eating and making good food, sharing intimacy, artistic expressions, bathing, singing, talking, listening. Medicine is anything that is healing. Healing is anything that improves the quality of life! Healing is completely unique to each person. Each person has different needs in order to establish, enhance and restore one’s quality of life.
Integrative Wellness seeks to empower individuals to be accountable for their own lives, thereby enhancing health, well-being and the ability to achieve one’s life purpose. Ultimately, Integrative Wellness is a lifestyle practice, that supports the whole person to engage purposefully, to participate in his or her own health care so that the individual may participate in the greater good of humanity and nature. Integrative Wellness is not just a singular modality of health; it is the dance toward harmony between the individual and the community working for synergistic life-time of experience! QCBN
By Galadriel Sardonicus
Galadriel Sardonicus is a licensed massage therapist. She has her B.A. in Integrative Wellness and specializes in Craniosacral Therapy, Connective Tissue, Injury Rehabilitation. Galadriel is also a Certified Yoga Instructor, dedicated to Children’s Yoga and Storytelling.
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