The Early Origins of Wellness

The Early Origins of the Wellness Concept

“Wellness” – a modern word with a very old history. The concept of wellness dates back to 3000 BC. Here we will take a look at the very early origins of the concept of wellness.

The Global Wellness Summit defines “Wellness” as –
 “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyle that lead to a state of holistic wellness”.

So let's take a quick look at the early influences and the leaders in wellness, who got us to where we are today - and we thank them!

Ayurveda 3000-1500 BC
Ancient wellness is rooted in the originally oral tradition of Ayurveda, later written and recorded four hindu texts called Vedas. Ayurveda originated in India 3000 – 1500 BC and is attributed to Atharva Veda where mention is made of several diseases with their treatments. Ayurveda has remained largely unchanged since it’s origin.
 
Ayurveda is tailored to each persons unique constitution including their nutritional, exercise, social interaction and hygiene needs. The goal is to maintain balance to prevent illness. Meditation and yoga feature highly in the tradition.

Traditional Chinese Medicine 3000 – 2000 BC
Traditional Chinese medicine or TCM as it is also known is one of the oldest systems of medicine. TCM is highly influenced by Buddhism and Taoism employing a holistic perspective, creating harmony in your life to achieve health and wellness.
 
The TCM system of medicine aims to prevent or heal disease by maintain or restoring yingyang balance. According to TCM, a person is healthy when harmony exists between these two forces; illness, on the other hand, results from a breakdown in the equilibrium of yin and yang.

TCM approaches  are still used today include acupuncture, herbal medicine, qi qong and tai chi.

Ancient Greek Medicine 500 BC
Hippocrates is possibly the first physician to focus on preventing sickness instead of simply treating disease. He argued that disease is a product of diet, lifestyle and environmental factors.
 
The work of Hippocrates led to the study of the cause of disease rather than looking solely at the symptoms when prescribing a cure.

Ancient Roman Medicine 50 BC
With an emphasis on disease prevention, the Romans adopted a Greek belief that illness was a product of diet and lifestyle. Thanks to the Roman’s public health system that included extensive drainage, swears and public baths, the spread of disease and germs was prevented to maintain a healthier population.

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Concept - Global Wellness Summit