Circle of Wellness takes a different path than modern medicine’s symptom-focused treatment. The center has helped people heal their bodies from inside out since 2008. Leila Kayser-MacQueen, the founder, brings more than 10 years of unmatched experience as a licensed medical massage therapist. The center combines traditional healing wisdom with modern therapeutic techniques.
Our team consists of 12 dedicated professionals. Licensed clinical social workers and psychotherapists work together to support your well-being. This integrated view of health helps us discover significant insights about natural healing that conventional doctors might overlook.
This piece explores the basic principles of wellness. You’ll learn about practical alternatives to common medications and discover time-tested natural methods to improve your health.
Understanding the Circle of Wellness Framework
The Circle of Health framework takes a complete approach to wellness that goes way beyond the reach and influence of traditional medical care. True health covers multiple interconnected dimensions that work together in harmony.
The Eight Dimensions of Holistic Health
Wellness covers eight interconnected dimensions: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, financial, and environmental. These dimensions don’t need perfect balance. Each person needs to find their own authentic harmony. When we neglect any dimension over time, it affects others and disrupts overall health and quality of life.
Circle of Wellness: How Modern Medicine Falls Short
Modern healthcare doesn’t deal very well with chronic and complex conditions. The current system treats symptoms instead of looking at root mechanisms. Two-thirds of chronically ill patients use dietary supplements, but only 30% talk to their doctors about it. On top of that, many conventional treatments help with specific symptoms instead of targeting the disease’s root mechanisms.
Indigenous Wisdom and Natural Healing
Traditional indigenous medicine gives us great ways to learn about integrated healing approaches. Native American healing practices see health’s connection to spirituality and treat the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. Healers use a mix of herbs, therapies, ceremonies, and prayer to prevent and treat illness. Indigenous healers have promoted health by living in harmony with the earth over thousands of years. They use native plants and traditional ceremonies that match natural cycles. Their methods show how healing reaches beyond the individual to connect family, community, and environment.
Physical Wellness Beyond Conventional Medicine
Natural healing approaches are powerful alternatives to conventional treatments. Research continues to support many traditional remedies that people have used for thousands of years.
Natural Alternatives to Common Medications
Plant-based medicines give us effective treatment options. Hibiscus tea matches the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors to control blood pressure. Studies show that curcumin, found in turmeric, reduces inflammation markers by a lot. People who need natural sleep solutions can try tart cherry juice – it helps them fall asleep 84 minutes faster than placebo treatments.
The Role of Movement and Exercise
Physical activity is the lifeblood of wellness. Research shows that all but one of these people fail to meet current guidelines for aerobic and strength activities. Exercise benefits reach way beyond the reach and influence of physical fitness. It reduces the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response to stress and lowers the risk of anxiety and depression.
Circle of Wellness: Nutrition as Preventive Medicine
The Food-First Strategy represents a fundamental change in health management. Micronutrients from whole foods show better bioavailability compared to supplements. Research proves that proper nutrition helps prevent chronic diseases. Over half of US adults (approximately 129 million people) have one or more preventable chronic diseases tied to poor diet.
Note that “natural” doesn’t automatically mean safer between natural and conventional treatments. Some herbal supplements can cause serious side effects. To cite an instance, kava might cause severe liver damage. You should consult healthcare providers before starting any new treatment regimen.
Mental and Emotional Balance
Recent brain imaging studies show how our mental and physical health are deeply connected. Research demonstrates that brain networks controlling movement are woven together with those that manage conscious thoughts and automatic functions like heartbeat.
The Mind-Body Connection
Scientific evidence proves that mental stress over time directly affects our immune system. This makes us more likely to develop health problems. The body responds by increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines that lead to chronic inflammation. These changes can trigger illnesses such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Natural Approaches to Mental Health
Alternative therapies are a great way to get better mental wellness results. Research suggests that aromatherapy could help reduce depression symptoms. Many complementary treatments need additional research. Here are proven natural approaches that boost mental health:
- Mindfulness meditation for stress reduction
- Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder
- Acupuncture for anxiety management
- Yoga for emotional balance and physical wellness
Circle of Wellness Counseling Techniques
Circle of Wellness counseling creates a safe, inclusive space where everyone’s uniqueness matters. The practice helps people through difficult times by supporting them rather than trying to fix their problems. This method combines six dimensions of wellness. It acknowledges that emotional well-being comes from accepting and understanding different feelings, not just chasing happiness.
Research shows that the client-therapist bond is vital to successful therapy. A therapeutic relationship built on trust and mutual respect allows genuine healing and growth to happen.
Spiritual and Social Wellness Integration
Social connections are a fundamental part of complete wellness. Research shows that people with poor social relationships face a 29% higher risk of heart disease [link_1] and a 32% higher risk of stroke.
Circle of Wellness: Building Your Wellness Support Circle
A strong support circle needs careful planning and regular effort. Your support network should have people who can help with both practical and emotional needs. A resilient support circle offers these key benefits:
- Improved stress management and recovery
- Enhanced emotional validation and understanding
- Stronger accountability for health goals
- Regular connection and community belonging
Community Connection and Healing
Community plays a vital role in healing. Research shows that people who feel they belong to a community are 2.6 times more likely to report excellent health. This stems from our nature as social beings who need healthy relationships to stay centered and content.
Circle of Wellness: Traditional Healing Practices
Native American healing traditions give an explanation about community-based wellness. Their traditional healing methods include bio-psycho-socio-spiritual approaches. Family and community members take part in ceremonial gatherings that can last for days or weeks. These ceremonies blend songs, prayer, music, and dance as participants contribute healing energy to the patient.
The World Health Organization recognizes spiritual health as the fourth dimension of well-being, alongside physical, mental, and social health. Research associates spiritual practices with lower blood pressure, fewer anxiety symptoms, and better quality of life.
Trust and cultural values are the foundations of healing relationships according to traditional healers. Many indigenous communities blend traditional practices with modern healthcare. This creates a complete approach to wellness that respects both ancient wisdom and contemporary medicine.
Conclusion
Wellness reaches way beyond the reach and influence of treating symptoms. It needs a comprehensive approach that values both ancient wisdom and modern insights. In this piece, we’ve seen how Circle of Wellness blends traditional healing methods with modern therapeutic techniques to create a balanced path to better health.
Science now backs up what healers have known for generations. Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health function as one unified system. Natural alternatives often match or surpass standard treatments. Strong social bonds and community support prove vital to healing and staying well.
Your wellness represents a unique trip that belongs to you alone. Success doesn’t mean perfect balance in all eight dimensions – it’s about finding your own authentic harmony. Circle of Wellness guides you through this process. We combine proven natural approaches with evidence-based practices that target mechanisms rather than just symptoms.
Note that optimal health takes time and commitment. Small, consistent steps lead to lasting changes, especially with support from experts who understand the deep links between body, mind, and spirit. Your path to complete wellness begins with one choice – to welcome healing that touches every part of who you are
