A Look at Health and Wellness: a multi-perspective approach By Jennifer Kitchen September 29, 2012

Overview Psychological, physiological, and complementary / alternative views when assessing health and wellness. Integrative ways of looking at health and wellness. How is this more effective than viewing health and wellness from just one single angle? Program for evaluating a new patient from an integrative approach. How to use this approach to view patients’ health and wellness.

Psychological, physiological, and complementary/alternative views Psychological views Psychological aspects can results in a series of physiological responses and adaptations that must be considered (Seaward, 2009). Physiological views Common misconception is that physical activity only helps physical health (Thygerson and Thygerson, 2011). Complementary/Alternative views Wellness is seen as the whole being greater than the sum of the parts (Seaward, 2009)

Integrative ways of looking at health and wellness from the multiple perspectives. The body does it’s best to stay in a relative state of homeostasis, which is imperative to it properly functioning (Thibodeau and Patton, 2008). Both mind and body health and wellness The stress response controls the actions of the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems (Lorentz, 2006). Reaction to stress is what causes dis-ease. Research shows a mind/body connection (Dacher, 2006). Body and mind interaction makes health or illness. Mental training can be used to control physiological effects of mental health (Dacher, 2006). Physical exercise can help calm the mind.

How is this more effective than viewing health and wellness from just one single angle? Meditation, imagery, therapeutic touch, and humor versus Medication and invasive procedures Allopathic medicine focuses on disease Mind-body therapies focus on the whole being Mind-body therapies have no side effects and help improve patients’ sense of well-being by letting them be in more control (Lorentz, 2006).

Program for evaluating a new patient from an integrative approach that incorporates both body and mind. Practitioner should gain knowledge of patient Psychological health Physiological health Use of CAM therapies The Tree of Contemplative Practices is a great guide to what contemplative practices may of use in balancing mind and body (The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, 2012). NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL APPROACH!!!

Using this approach to view patients’ health and wellness. Practioners should be open and nonjudgmental to their patients Mental status Physical status Beliefs Culture and traditions Practioners should… Be aware of programs that will benefit their patience. & Promote patients to take part in their own care.

References The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, (2011). The Tree of Contemplative Practices. Dacher, E.S., (2006). Integral Health: the path to human flourishing. California: Basic Health. Lorentz, M.M., (2006). Stress and Psychoneuroimmunology Revisited; using mind-body interventions to reduce stress. Retrieved from Seaward, B.L., (2009).Managing Stress: principles and strategies for health and well-being. Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett. Thibodeau, G. and Patton, K., (2008). Structure and Function of the Body. Missouri: Mosby Elsevier. Thygerson, A.L. and Thygerson, A.M., (2011). Fit to be Well: essential concepts. Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett.