The Four Foundations of Wellness

The Four Foundations of Wellness

stacked stone cairn with 4 stones on a green nature background depicting the 4 foundations of wellness: eat, move, breathe, think

  • Objectives

    Learning Objective

    Understand the interconnected principles of osteopathic medicine and how they guide a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing the body's natural ability to heal and maintain balance.


    Behavioral Objective

    Adopt sustainable lifestyle changes based on the Four Foundations of Wellness, integrating nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and breathing techniques into daily routines.


    Key Thought

    True wellness comes from harmonizing the body's systems and addressing root causes, not just treating symptoms, for lasting health and vitality.

  • Objectives

    Learning Objective

    Understand the interconnected principles of osteopathic medicine and how they guide a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing the body's natural ability to heal and maintain balance.


    Behavioral Objective

    Adopt sustainable lifestyle changes based on the Four Foundations of Wellness, integrating nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and breathing techniques into daily routines.


    Key Thought

    True wellness comes from harmonizing the body's systems and addressing root causes, not just treating symptoms, for lasting health and vitality.

  • Terms

    Breathwork

    noun

    Conscious control of breathing patterns to influence physical and emotional states, commonly used for relaxation and mental clarity.

    Diaphragmatic Breathing

    noun

    A breathing technique that involves deep breathing into the diaphragm, rather than shallow breaths into the chest. It promotes relaxation and efficient oxygen exchange, supporting overall health.

    Four Foundations of Wellness

    noun

    The foundational categories that support overall health and well-being: Eat, Move, Breathe, and Think.

    Mindful Movement

    noun

    Activities like yoga or Pilates that combine physical movement with mental focus and relaxation techniques.

    Neuroplasticity

    noun

    The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections in response to learning, experience, or physical activity.

    Osteopathic Medicine

    noun

    A branch of medicine that emphasizes the interrelationship between structure and function in the body and the body's ability to heal itself.

    Resilience

    noun

    The ability to recover quickly from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain progress toward goals despite challenges.

    Whole Foods

    noun

    Foods that are minimally processed and as close to their natural form as possible, providing essential nutrients without added chemicals or artificial ingredients.

  • Terms

    Breathwork

    noun

    Conscious control of breathing patterns to influence physical and emotional states, commonly used for relaxation and mental clarity.

    Diaphragmatic Breathing

    noun

    A breathing technique that involves deep breathing into the diaphragm, rather than shallow breaths into the chest. It promotes relaxation and efficient oxygen exchange, supporting overall health.

    Four Foundations of Wellness

    noun

    The foundational categories that support overall health and well-being: Eat, Move, Breathe, and Think.

    Mindful Movement

    noun

    Activities like yoga or Pilates that combine physical movement with mental focus and relaxation techniques.

    Neuroplasticity

    noun

    The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections in response to learning, experience, or physical activity.

    Osteopathic Medicine

    noun

    A branch of medicine that emphasizes the interrelationship between structure and function in the body and the body's ability to heal itself.

    Resilience

    noun

    The ability to recover quickly from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain progress toward goals despite challenges.

    Whole Foods

    noun

    Foods that are minimally processed and as close to their natural form as possible, providing essential nutrients without added chemicals or artificial ingredients.

Introduction

Wellness is more than the absence of disease-it's about thriving in mind, body, and spirit. This module introduces the "Four Foundations of Wellness": Eat, Move, Breathe, and Think. Rooted in an osteopathic perspective, these pillars emphasize interconnectedness and balance, offering practical strategies to optimize physical, mental, and emotional health. Explore how these core principles create a holistic pathway to lasting vitality.

What You Will Learn

The Osteopathic View of Wellness

osteopathic healthcare provider in office holding clipboard

Osteopathic medicine views health as an interconnected system where the body, mind, and environment harmonize. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, it emphasizes the body's natural ability to heal itself by addressing root causes. This holistic perspective lays the foundation for wellness, helping individuals achieve balance through sustainable lifestyle choices and self-care practices.

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The Four Foundations: A Framework for Balance

concrete foundation support structure to illustrate how the four foundations of wellness support health and wellbeing

The Four Foundations of Wellness-Eat, Move, Breathe, Think-provide a comprehensive framework for balanced health. Each foundation represents a critical aspect of well-being, working together to support the body's self-healing capabilities. By addressing these interconnected elements, individuals can foster resilience, prevent chronic conditions, and create a sustainable path to long-term vitality and balance.

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Foundation 1: Nourish with Whole Foods

an assortment of nutrient dense foods including samon, leafy spinach, acacodo, nuts, dark chocolate

Proper nutrition is vital for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Foundation 1 focuses on whole foods, which provide the essential nutrients your body needs to function optimally. By choosing nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, you can combat inflammation, boost energy, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, creating a solid base for long-term health.

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Foundation 2: The Power of Movement

senior man stretching by a lake illustrating movement as a part of better health

Movement is vital for both physical and mental health. Foundation 2 focuses on the power of regular movement to boost energy, improve mood, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. From simple activities like walking to structured exercise routines, incorporating diverse types of movement into your day enhances flexibility, strength, and overall well-being while supporting a more balanced, resilient life.

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Foundation 3: Breathe with Intention

a man outside in a natural setting taking deep breaths

Breathing is more than a subconscious act-it's a cornerstone of wellness. Intentional breathing enhances oxygen delivery, reduces stress, and balances the mind and body. By mastering techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or mindful breathwork, you can tap into its transformative potential to calm the nervous system, sharpen focus, and promote resilience. Explore how purposeful breathing fosters a healthier, more centered life.

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Foundation 4: Cultivating a Healthy Mindset

a cloud image with the word Mindset and beneath it a battery image that shows changing as progress

Our mindset is the cornerstone of wellness, influencing every aspect of our health and daily life. A positive, growth-oriented mindset fosters resilience, enhances decision-making, and supports physical and emotional well-being. By cultivating self-awareness, practicing gratitude, and embracing challenges as opportunities, we can create a strong foundation for long-term wellness and personal growth.

View Topic

Building Balance with the Four Foundations of Wellness

Discover the path to lasting vitality with our infographic, "Building Balance with the Four Foundations of Wellness." This visual guide introduces the core pillars of wellness-Eat, Move, Breathe, and Think-providing practical strategies to harmonize your mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in an osteopathic approach, these interconnected foundations empower you to make sustainable lifestyle choices that enhance resilience, promote balance, and unlock your full potential. Whether you're just starting your wellness journey or seeking to deepen your practice, this guide offers actionable insights to help you thrive.


Explore how Eat, Move, Breathe, and Think create balance for a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Infographic titled 'Building Balance with the Four Foundations of Wellness,' illustrating the four pillars-Eat, Move, Breathe, and Think-with visuals representing balanced nutrition, movement, mindful breathing, and a positive mindset.
Download Infographic PDF

Put Wellness into Practice

Our hands-on activities transform today’s lessons into real-world action. Pick the exercises that speak to you, experiment at your own pace, and turn small daily tweaks into lasting gains for your health and well-being.

Foundations Self-Assessment

Objective: Identify personal strengths and areas for improvement in the Four Foundations of Wellness.

  • Reflect on current habits related to eating, movement, breathing, and mindset.
  • Rate each foundation on a scale from 1-10 based on consistency and effectiveness.
  • Select one area to focus on for improvement over the next two weeks.

Breath Awareness Exercise

Objective: Develop awareness of breathing patterns and their impact on stress levels.

  • Take five minutes to observe your natural breathing pattern without changing it.
  • Practice diaphragmatic breathing for five minutes and note how your body feels.
  • Reflect on any differences in stress levels, focus, or energy after the exercise.

Movement Habit Integration

Objective: Identify ways to incorporate movement into daily routines.

  • Track movement patterns for one day, noting periods of inactivity.
  • Identify three opportunities to integrate movement (e.g., stretching, walking, posture adjustments).
  • Set a daily goal for intentional movement and assess progress after one week.

Mindset Shift Journal

Objective: Explore the impact of mindset on daily experiences and well-being.

  • Write down one challenge you encountered during the day.
  • Reframe the situation by identifying a lesson or opportunity for growth.
  • Repeat this exercise daily for a week and reflect on changes in perspective.

Whole Foods Challenge

Objective: Make more intentional food choices by prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods.

  • Review your last grocery purchase and categorize items as whole or processed foods.
  • Identify three processed foods to replace with whole-food alternatives.
  • Incorporate at least one whole-food meal each day for the next week.

Disclaimer: This page is available exclusively for SupplementRelief.com clients. None of the information on this website is intended to replace your relationship with your healthcare provider(s). Nothing should be considered medical advice. The information, knowledge, and experience shared on this website are the opinions of SupplementRelief.com. This site and its content are intended to enhance your knowledge base as YOU MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE DECISIONS in partnership with your qualified health professional.

Course Outline


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