tuality. By incorporating all these elements into the program, Bittman believes that the patients' chances of healing will be maximized (Shanley, 1999, p. 1).
Second, wellness centers advocate disease prevention. Thus, unlike traditional medical centers that do not treat healthy people, wellness centers have "healthy" patients who want to improve their health status and lifestyle. At Coal Creek Wellness Center, patients are provided with their biochemical profiles so that they can see their current health status. In response to the patients' health concerns, the wellness center professionals then offer them advice and information on a variety of options such as nutrition and natural healing techniques that are safe and effective (Beck, "Our Mission," p. 1).
Third, alternative medicine plays a significant role in the variety of services available at wellness centers. At the Mind Body Wellness Center, they include Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Massage, Meditation, Therapeutic Touch, Biofeedback, Guided Imagery and many other alternative ways of treatment that are not employed in traditional medical facilities (Bittman, "Our Services," p. 1).
Fourth, wellness centers offer tremendous psychological support to patients and families by creating a sanctuary that focus on living, instead of the diagnosis. Wellness centers offer support groups and education to empower patients and families ("Completing," p. 1). Thus, wellness centers offer psychological support that is often neglected by traditional medical centers and can often be critical in determining the lifespan of terminally-ill patients.
In fact, it was the failure of traditional medical institutions to provide adequate psychological support for patients and their families that led to the interest in wellness centers. Motivated by patients' request, Angelica Thieriot formed a hospital unit that provided a healing and nurturing sanctuary for patients in 1978 (Landau, 1999, p. 22).<...