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NCHPAD - Building Healthy Inclusive Communities

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Holistic Approaches to Health and Wellness Programming


Two adult women with a physical disability attend a health and wellness program
Two adult women with a physical disability attend a health and wellness program
I believe that holistic approaches to health and wellness programming are going to become more and more standard in the years ahead. I also believe that for people with disabilities in particular, these health promotion activities should evolve to include mind-body and spiritual modalities and that federal funding for evidence-based research outcomes must be released immediately.

When asked, "What mind-body activities do you think are especially helpful for you?" Tammy replied, "Though I am paraplegic, I spend a great deal of time most days doing yoga. Though I have had lessons, I have my own routine. It is a combination of physical therapy and yoga postures. I like to do this on the floor, but I can still find ways to stretch when I am unable to get out of my wheelchair even if it is just by moving my ankles around with my hands. I think it is important to keep the body as flexible as possible for what the future holds." Dorothy revealed, "I do a special form of Tai Chi that my OT and PT developed with me--gentle stretches representing water, earth, fire, and air done in the 4 directions: N, S, E, and W. I like to do this to flute music."

Knowing that holistic wellness programs for people with disabilities (though few and far between) usually include a combination of exercise, nutrition and stress management classes, I went on to ask Tammy, "What would be a useful class to add that would help us stay well spiritually?" She twinkled, "Yoga and stretching, of course! But also guided imagery. It is a wonderful way to relax and visualize healing. I recommend a guided imagery tape or CD to listen to; some have healing music and healing frequencies in the background." Dorothy actually leads groups in wellness activities. She shares, "My favorite way is to create a setting without an agenda for what will come forth from the people who come. It is...each of us exploring our own spirituality. One that I do each year is I invite women for a gathering to celebrate the solstice. On the invitation I put a quotation about the meaning this has had over centuries. What happens always differs according to who comes, and their comfort levels, but typically I read something short to 'set the stage' and get our focus more within ourselves. I have done guided 'journeys' into our past--think back to your mother's world--her mother's--to a time where there was no electricity and the connection with the sun and moon and the seasons was much more intimate. What does that feel like? People are invited to share their images, and some have been very powerful... For more of a 'class' people can take a spiritual orientation inventory, rate themselves, and discuss how they define spirituality and what nourishes theirs. Also a challenge to all is to differentiate religion and spirituality!"


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