From Webster's, the word wellness is defined as: a state of being well. The following are the definitions of well: (adv.) in a satisfactory, favorable or good manner; thoroughly; fully. (adj.) good; right; in good health; desirable. (interj.) an expression used to show mild surprise or agreement. (n.) a hole dug or a shaft bored. Figurative: A spring; fountain. A storage compartment. (v.i.) to spring; rise; surge, gush or billow. (v.t.) to send gushing up or pouring forth.

Well, with the popularity of wellness centers, it should stand to reason that those involved strive to do that which is good, right and, figuratively, deep or profound. Licensed health professionals focus on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of one's being and can generally to be trusted concerning their ethics and competence. Pretending to be a Doctor is not only unethical but also criminal. Today, however, there is an increasing number of unethical "wellness practitioners" and centers that also focus on the so-called "spiritual." Genuine spirituality is, of course, always found within the realm of religion.

By definition, "spirit" is incorporeal. It is the "body" of religion that provides the necessary "link" (religio), in the form of teachings and various practices, to the spiritual experience. It is true that one may come up with some new way to "link-back" to the Spirit. However, lacking "good manner," it is a fact that the "spiritual new-age wellness practitioner" does not present something new and unique but rather what are already established religious/spiritual teachings and practices. The problem is that, for "obvious" reasons, the religious tradition is disrespected and ignored which is contrary to the definition of wellness.

Perhaps because they are an "easy mark" (noted for tolerance), the religious traditions of the Far East are targeted by the "new-age wellness practitioner." Never committing to one of these religious traditions, extremists (missing the correlation of wellness and center) simply assume to be qualified teachers of Tai Chi (Taoism), meditation and the various Yogas (Hinduism/Buddhism). Creating spurious "certifications," confusing physical exercise and religious practice and/or setting up a "spiritual wellness businesses" is antithetical to genuine religion/spirituality as well as the definition of wellness. On a favorable note, desirable stress-reduction gushes forth from the Spirit/Soul and the reason why profound religion/spirituality is an inseparable aspect of thorough wellness.

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