1.3 History of Wellness

Although the term wellness first appeared in the English language in the 1650s, defined as “a state of well-being and good health” (Australian Wellness Academy, 2020, para 5), the concept itself has ancient origins. Traditional practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and the medical traditions of ancient Greece have long emphasized holistic approaches to health (Global Wellness Institute, n.d.).

Early Roots

In North America, Indigenous cultures have also embraced holistic approaches to health paradigms. The Medicine Wheel, a significant symbol in many Indigenous cultures, represents the interconnectedness of all life and the cyclical nature of existence. It is typically depicted as a circle divided into four sections, each representing different aspects of life, such as the four directions, seasons, stages of life, and dimensions of wellness (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual). Through ceremonies, communal practices, and a deep respect for the natural world, these cultures have emphasized preventive care and personal responsibility for maintaining harmony within oneself and with others.

In the 19th century, American religious and cultural movements began to shape early wellness concepts. The Mind-Cure Movement, New Thought, and Christian Science emphasized the connection between mental, spiritual, and physical health. Pioneers like Phineas Quimby and Mary Baker Eddy believed that positive thinking and spiritual alignment could prevent and heal illness, laying the foundation for wellness as more than just physical health (Miller, 2005).

During this period, figures like Horace Fletcher promoted mindful eating (known as Fletcherism), advocating thorough chewing of food to improve digestion and overall health. Similarly, John Harvey Kellogg, influenced by his Seventh-Day Adventist beliefs, emphasized a holistic approach to health, advocating for plant-based diets, regular physical activity, and mental well-being through his Battle Creek Sanitarium practices (Miller, 2005).

Other historical movements followed, such as Lebensreform in Germany and Switzerland in the late 19th century and early 20th century. It advocated for a return to a more natural and holistic way of living in response to the adverse effects of industrialization and urbanization, such as overcrowding, sedentarism, processed foods, and increased mental stress. Key aspects included vegetarianism, natural medicine, physical fitness, outdoor activities, organic farming, and simple living. The American Temperance Movement followed soon after, promoting self-control, mindfulness, moderation, and healthier lifestyle choices. While the movement’s focus on the prohibition of alcohol was polarizing at times, its emphasis on ultimately prioritizing individual well-being aligns closely with many concepts discussed in this book.

Conceptual Framework

It was not until the 1950s that wellness became a formally recognized concept. Halbert Dunn, often called the “Father of the Wellness Movement,” introduced the term in his book High-Level Wellness. Dunn first defined wellness as “an integrated method of functioning which is oriented toward maximizing the potential of which the individual is capable, within the environment where they are functioning”(Dunn, 1959, p. 447). This dynamic interplay between an individual’s capabilities and environment marked a notable shift away from the notion of wellness as merely the absence of illness.

Dunn’s work inspired others, including John Travis, who founded the Wellness Resource Center in California in 1975. Travis also developed the Wellness Continuum, emphasizing proactive health behaviours and personal responsibility over traditional medical models focused solely on disease treatment (Miller, 2005).

Building on these foundations, Bill Hettler, along with Dennis Elsenrath and Fred Leafgren, founded the National Wellness Institute (NWI) in 1976. Hettler introduced the Six Dimensions of Wellness—physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and occupational—highlighting the importance of balance and awareness in achieving optimal well-being (Miller, 2005).

The Modern Era

By the 1980s, wellness had gained traction in corporate settings as companies introduced wellness programs to improve employee health and productivity. The 1979 Surgeon General’s Report (Healthy People) and the rise of workplace wellness programs reflected a growing focus on preventive care and health promotion (Miller, 2005).

Figures like Donald Ardell further popularized wellness with his 1977 book High-Level Wellness: An Alternative to Doctors, Drugs, and Disease. Ardell emphasized personal responsibility and critical thinking, steering the wellness movement toward a more secular, self-driven approach (Ardell, 1977).

In the 1990s, wellness expanded globally and became increasingly commercialized. In Europe, wellness became associated with luxury spas, beauty treatments, and lifestyle products, shifting the focus from holistic health to pleasure and status. This commercialization marked a departure from wellness’s original intent, but it also contributed to its widespread popularity.

Today, wellness is a global phenomenon shaped by rising healthcare costs, growing interest in self-care, and the influence of social media. As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) predicts that the wellness economy will grow to $8.5 trillion in 2027 (GWI, 2024). Its scope now encompasses eight dimensions reflecting a broad and holistic understanding of what it means to truly “be well.”