IS WELLNESS AS WE KNOW IT OVER?
This morning, I opened Instagram to see a beauty influencer waving sage around her living room. Over top of the video, which showcased her pristine home as it was cleansed from negative energy, she wrote, “Only good vibes this week”. A minute later, an email popped up on my phone with the subject line, “Why This Nasa-Backed Skin-Care Tool Is Our New Wellness Obsession”. Curious, I searched my inbox for the term ‘wellness.’ Hundreds of unopened emails popped up in reply. “Feel the Power of Sexual Wellness” read one. “Kick Start 2021 With Our Veganuary Wellness Zoom Event” was another. “The 5 Best Wellness Products To Combat Stress” alleged a third, which almost had me purchasing a rose quartz drink bottle, promising to infuse my water with positive energy, by minute five.
The notion of wellness to optimise health and happiness without relying on modern medicine was introduced in Halbert L Dunn’s book in 1961. The idea was radical at the time and took off in the ’60s in California, where early pioneers were exploring the fringes of alternative medicine to prevent, not cure, illness. This included diets based on Zen Buddhism (now known as ‘macrobiotic’) and mindful workshops where breathing was given workouts that 9.3 million subscribers loyally partake in. It’s in crystals, reiki, and mindfulness. It’s oat milk, kombucha, açaí bowls, and the organic section at the supermarket. It’s being gluten-free. It’s also expensive retreats; organic serums that the aforementioned beauty influencer tells me I urgently need; and, according to the Goop website, 68 products ranging from $15 for a bamboo toothbrush to $322 for a Large Standard Singing Bowl Set — the latter essentially some incense and vegan soap that’s supposed to help you meditate better.
