What is a Wellness Center?

The concept of the wellness center has grown in popularity in recent years. It's a broad term which ...

1. What is a Wellness Center?
The concept of the wellness center has grown in popularity in recent years. It's a broad term which
is used liberally at venues such as medical centers, hospitals, spas and nutrition offices. There are
many different types of wellness centers, which cater to a variety of people and offer a plethora of
treatments.
A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Health
The services a center offers to promote better health could concentrate solely on physical,
psychological, or spiritual therapies, or possibly a combination of all three with a holistic focus on
the mind, body and spirit. A holistic-based center will address each aspect of an individual rather
than just one dimension. Holistic healing stresses the importance of making positive changes in any
element of health and leads to positive effects as a whole.
Clients might be able to choose from nutrition counseling, fitness classes, mental health guidance,
physical treatments, or medical services at such centers. Many centers are based on a holistic
philosophy which emphasizes a preventative approach to disease and illness. The goal is to avoid a
curative scenario, which may be too late once health is compromised.

2. Holistic Healing is Becoming Mainstream
Holistic healing refers to living a balanced lifestyle which doesn't focus primarily on physical health.
Although it's often physical symptoms which initiate the pursuit of a holistic intervention, it's
important to note that holistic wellness centers are not a substitution for conventional medical care.
Licensed medical practitioners are often the best option for the treatment of disease and illness.
However, as the benefits of a holistic approach has become more accepted, some physicians have
developed integrative practices which combine conventional medical care along with holistic healing
treatments such as massage or acupuncture.
Many health experts believe that at least 70% of disease and health care costs could be prevented.
Unhealthy lifestyles contribute to the most common causes of death in the United States, which
include heart disease, cancer, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes. As health care costs continue to
rise in the United States (along with increased obesity and disease statistics and a looming health
care system overhaul), the popularity of the wellness centers and preventative health strategies are
projected to increase further. This is evidenced by the fact that some hospitals have positioned
themselves as cutting edge medical centers by mainstreaming and incorporating wellness centers
into their facilities.
Many Avenues to Wellness
Most wellness centers are dedicated to promoting education and guidance to empower patients and
clients live a healthy lifestyle. Community education programs are often offered as part of a center's
outreach service. Free classes on a range of subjects might be available as a method for introducing
a particular modality.
The services and therapies which might be offered at a particular wellness based center will differ
depending on the center. Among the treatments offered might include:
nutrition and health counseling
massage therapy
chiropractic medicine

3. naturopathic medicine
fitness classes
yoga
hypnotherapy
Ayurveda medicine
herbal remedies
homeopathy
acupuncture
acupressure
energy healing such as Reiki
stress management
reflexology
healthy cooking classes
meditation
The Health and Wellness Coach
Wellness coaches are usually the foundation of clinics that serve as vehicles to change. Their role is
to work with clients in co-creating a health plan through education, support, and empowerment.
Clients who are good candidates for hiring a health coach might have symptoms of stress, fatigue,
low energy, or unhappiness, and might also need to lose weight or become more physically fit.
Health coaches might be certified or have backgrounds in counseling or teaching. They don't give
medical /therapeutic advice or care. Wellness practitioners motivate clients to focus on areas such as
stress management, self-responsibility, nutrition, fitness, life purpose, relaxation and self-care, and
creating healthy relationships. The ultimate goal in a wellness coaching program is to pursue and
attain both physical and psychological health.
A Wellness Report Card
Studies have shown that possessing a majority the following wellness factors to a high degree is
essential for achieving overall wellness:
sense of humor
high self esteem combined with a positive outlook on life

4. compassion for others
personal responsibility for others and the environment
physical fitness
commitment to personal growth
good communication skills
freedom from addictive behaviors
good coping skills
a balanced lifestyle with plenty of down time
Find Your Bliss
The best wellness centers focus on their clients' needs and health which should be demonstrated by
a commitment to providing a positive experience. Flexible business hours, hassle free parking, a
soothing environment and little to no waiting are hallmarks of a credible wellness center. A wide
variety of services should be available in order to accommodate a client's responsibility for creating
their own path to better health. A true wellness center will empower the mission to thrive rather
than merely survive.