Bridging the Gap With Eastern and Western Healing Practices

Despite unprecedented access to health technology and medical advances, people are experiencing rising rates of chronic disease, stress, and disconnection from their own well-being. At the same time, workplace culture and unhealthy social relationships exacerbate mental and physical health challenges. Modern Western solutions often fail to address the fundamental aspects of wellness that ancient healing traditions have understood for millennia.

In a special Annual Wellness Summit preview webcast, “Wellness Wisdom: Blending Eastern and Western Practices for Health and Healing,” Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran, M.D., M.H.S., CPH, shares her recommendations for getting started (and being successful) with integrating traditional Eastern healing practices with modern Western medical technology for holistic health and well-being.

Bringing Together East and West

We are at a juncture in the health and wellness industry where there is a lot of demand for and interest in Eastern medicine and other alternative modalities as researchers continue to collect science-rooted information on the efficacy of ancient healing traditions that contribute to holistic wellness. So much of health and well-being happens outside of the walls of a hospital. Integrating Eastern practices, like mindfulness and holistic approaches, with Western advancements and technology offers promising solutions.

Where to Start

Despite the interest in incorporating alternative healing into our lives, many are still unsure of where to start. Dr. Kalaichandran recommends looking at these alternatives as part of a toolbox. Start small and gradually widen the aperture, expanding the toolbox to fulfill your needs. Ask yourself: Can I make one small change today in an element of healing? Just one little change in your routine can create a ripple effect that strengthens over time.

The basics aren’t so basic. Foundational elements of health like sleep, movement, nutrition, and social connection will make a profound impact on your health and well-being. Getting just a couple of extra hours of sleep each night, for example, allows you to wake up feeling more rested. If you feel more energized during the day, you will likely have better emotional regulation, allowing you to better handle stress. You will, in turn, tend to feel less anxious, be more focused, and make healthier decisions with your diet and exercise that day.

Track your progress with your chosen change. If it isn’t working, try something else. Wellness is not “one size fits all.” Regardless of what works best for you, these incremental steps will take you much further than you may expect.

The Power of Intention and Community

When exploring alternative modalities, it is important to be intentional. Avoid jumping on trends or trying the “next cool thing” if it does not align with your needs and your purpose. Remember that wellness and healing are ongoing processes, not destinations. Continue to have compassion for yourself, experiment, and have fun. Begin with the basics and build on that foundation with some of the more experimental methods you are drawn to, like sound baths or acupuncture.

Struggling with maintaining routines or incorporating new healing practices? Lean into the strength of community. In general, a sense of community and belonging is extremely important to individual wellness, but being a part of a community that is aligned around a health habit also sets you up for success and can be easier than going it alone. There is power in having people come together in conversation around health and healing, which is why we are so excited to bring folks together at the 2025 Annual Wellness Summit. Be sure to attend Dr. Kalaichandran’s keynote session, where we will dive further into this topic and explore all the possibilities that await.

Resources

Attend Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran’s keynote session at the 2025 Annual Wellness Summit to learn more.

The Wellness Alliance in partnership with the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans present the 2025 Annual Wellness Summit August 18-21 in Austin, Texas.

Become a member to view webinar recordings. Register for upcoming live events here: https://www.wellnessalliance.org/education-and-events/events-calendar.

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  Rebecca Plier

  PR/Communications Specialist

  IFEBP

  Favorite Foundation Product: The Talking Benefits podcast! What an engaging way to get timely benefits insights.

  Benefits-related Topics that Interest Her Most: Mental health, diversity, equity and inclusion, and workplace wellness.

  Personal Insight: When Rebecca isn’t diving headfirst into the world of benefits, she enjoys organizing her monthly book club and expanding her vinyl record collection.