1950

The Modern Wellness Movement

20th century wellness was coined by physician Halbert Dunn, who has been referred to as the “Father of modern wellness”.

Initially in his 1950 lectures, then in his following work ‘What High-Level Wellness Means’ he introduced the concept of wellness as being something other than ‘good health’.

Dunn defined wellness as “an integrated method of functioning which is oriented towards maximising the potential of which the individual is capable within the environment where (they are) functioning.”

This concept of high-level wellness as the intent or pursuit of highest mind-body-soul expansion remains relevant in dominant societal views of wellness today, bringing with it standards and ideals with potential for social harm.