The Illness-Wellness Continuum

The Illness – Wellness Continuum is a concept first presented by John W Travis. I thought it would be helpful to briefly explore this concept and how it aligns with the work of holistic health coaches.

The illustration of this continuum is shown below. From the neutral point in the middle, a path towards a worsening state of health is possible. It can be ‘rectified’ by the Treatment Paradigm where symptoms of disease can be alleviated, ie by seeing a general practitioner or specialist. However in addition to this, from the neutral point, there is also the possibility of moving to the right to further increase levels of health and wellbeing.

Illness-Wellness Continuum, John W Travis

An interesting example to help illustrate how an individual can move in either direction is as follows.

A person who is generally physically healthy, but who is always worrying about their health and/or complaining may be situated on the right hand side of neutral but be heading in the direction to the left, which ultimately leads to premature death.

A person who is physically or mentally challenged on the other hand, may be positioned on the left hand side of neutral. If they have a positive outlook and possess an attitude of love rather than fear, they will actually be heading to the right, towards a high level of wellness.

Holistic health coaching is synonymous with guiding clients towards the right on the Illness-Wellness Continuum. This philosophy also encapsulates several aspects that make up the Wellness Energy System also put forward into the world by John W Travis. This has been adapted by Smiling Professionals and shown in the image below.

Wellness Energy System adapted from John W Travis

I see this concept of the Wellness Energy System as also being intertwined with the Twelve Pillars of Wellbeing discussed in a previous blog post. Can you spot the similarities and differences? Is there one approach (the Wellness Energy System, or the Twelve Pillars of Wellbeing) you are drawn to one more than the other?

Twelve Pillars of Wellbeing

By exploring with a holistic health coach, the areas in need of attention from the wellness energy system or Twelve Pillars of Wellbeing (which will be different for every individual), one can progress towards the high level of wellness on the Illness-Wellness continuum, and importantly, remain headed in that direction.

I hope this brief introduction to the Illness – Wellness Continuum helps explain how holistic health coaches can support you in achieving greater health and wellness.