What is Vitalism?

A vital force operates in the living organism that cannot be reduced or explained simply by physical or chemical factors. The body reflects the spiritual realm we find space in.

Indigenous healing traditions from Native American to Chinese, Ayurvedic and traditional Irish Herbalism emphasise vitalistic principles.  They view energy, vital force, thoughts, emotions or the unseen essence as causative factors and the means to good health. We are spiritual beings having a physical experience. Our bodies are an external expression of life.

In Western societies, the concept of vitalism appears in health writings, almost continuously, from the ancient Greeks to contemporary health professionals.

 ‘All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.’  - Buddha