Ancient Philosophies and Practices:

Ancient Greek Philosophy: The teachings of Plato and Aristotle in Ancient Greece emphasized the balance of mind, body, and spirit. Central to this was the concept of "Eudaimonia," meaning human flourishing or wellness.

Ayurveda in Ancient India: Over 3,000 years old, Ayurveda is a holistic healing system based on balancing mind, body, and spirit for health and wellness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Originating in ancient China, this system focuses on maintaining the balance of Qi (energy) to achieve health and wellness.

Cultural Practices and Wellness:

Roman Bath Culture: In ancient Rome, baths served not just hygiene but also socializing and relaxation, integral to community wellness.

Medieval Monasticism: In medieval Europe, monastic life combined spiritual wellness with physical labor, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being.

Renaissance to Modern Era:

Renaissance Humanism: This era placed high value on education, art, and classical studies, contributing significantly to intellectual wellness.

Victorian Era Sanitariums: These institutions, popular for treating various ailments, emphasized rest and relaxation, acknowledging mental health as a component of wellness.

20th Century Physical Fitness Movement: Figures like Jack LaLanne underscored the importance of physical activity for good health, heralding a new era of physical wellness.

Contemporary Understandings of Wellness:

Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices, rooted in Eastern traditions, have gained prominence for mental and emotional wellness.

Digital Detox and Unplugging: The 21st-century movement towards digital detoxing addresses the need for technological wellness in a hyper-connected world.

Expanding the Dimensions:

Indigenous Concepts of Balance: Indigenous cultures emphasize a balance between individuals, community, and the natural world, advocating an interconnected approach to wellness.

The Four Humors in the Middle Ages: Medieval beliefs in balancing bodily fluids reflect an early understanding of physical and temperamental wellness.

The Enlightenment's Emphasis on Knowledge: The pursuit of knowledge during the Enlightenment contributed significantly to intellectual wellness.

19th Century Public Health Movements: Industrial Revolution-era initiatives for clean water and sanitation mark the beginnings of environmental and physical wellness.

20th Century Psychology and Mental Health: The rise of psychology as a discipline enhanced understanding of mental and emotional wellness.

Theoretical Frameworks:

Manfred Max-Neef's Human Needs Theory: Max-Neef identified nine interrelated fundamental human needs, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding wellness beyond mere physical health.

Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: This well-known model suggests that human needs from basic physiological necessities to self-actualization and transcendence are hierarchical, influencing wellness pursuits.

Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory: Freud emphasized the psychological aspects of human behavior, highlighting the importance of balancing the Id, Ego, and Superego for mental wellness.

Additional Theoretical Contributions: Theories from Erik Erikson, Carl Rogers, Frederick Herzberg, Deci & Ryan, Martin Seligman, and Urie Bronfenbrenner offer diverse perspectives on human wellness, from psychosocial development to self-determination and ecological systems.