Full Body MOT: A New Way Of Thinking About Wellbeing

We tend to expect our bodies to run at full speed to keep pace with our busy lives. This means that they endure a variety of stresses and strains daily. And, similar to the required MOT (Measurements, Observations, and Tests) for our motor vehicles, our bodies could benefit from regular checks too, just to ensure that everything is working as it should. Think of it as a Full Body MOT.

What is a Full Body MOT?

There was a time when you only checked in with your doctor when you had something wrong with you. But, these days, a Full Body MOT flips the idea of health and wellbeing from one of treatment to one of preventative healthcare. Prevention, as they say, is better than cure.

A Full Body MOT is more than just a check-up. It can be the start of a journey towards better health by helping you build a clear picture of your health and wellbeing and identify any potential future health risks. These medical and non-invasive tests are typically carried out by a traditional doctor or healthcare professional. Using the latest health testing technology, they will guide you through a comprehensive range of tests that cover:

• Height and weight measurements
• Full biochemistry profile including heart function
• Liver and kidney health
• Cardiovascular risk score
• Spinal assessment
• Cholesterol
• Muscle mass and more

The aim is to allow you to understand your body better and take charge of your health and wellbeing. Armed with this information, you can then tailor your lifestyle accordingly to live life to the full.

But there are other ways to look after yourself too.

Taking Charge of Your Health and Wellbeing with Holistic Healing

While the Full Body MOT is one part of the puzzle that empowers you to make better lifestyle choices, another way is to shift managing your wellness from a purely medical perspective to looking at it holistically. 

Research shows that holistic healing therapies can help manage some physical and mental ailments such as pain, stress, and anxiety.

What Is Holistic Healing?

Holistic health is a philosophy that considers your body, mind, and spirit. Holistic interventions aim to achieve a balance between these three and, therefore, optimal health and wellbeing.

Holistic healing usually includes multiple remedies and alternative healthcare practices that can overlap with modern-day medicine. For example, a person experiencing migraines will be asked about other health problems, diet and sleep habits, stress, and personal problems. The treatment method may involve medications to relieve symptoms, but will also include holistic therapies and lifestyle changes to help prevent ailments from recurring.  

These may include: 

• Aromatherapy  
• Massage
• Nutrition
• Exercise
• Relaxation
• Meditation

You can take charge of your health and wellbeing by adding these therapies into your daily routine. This will give you extra support to cope with the busyness of modern living.

As a start, learn how to make your home a relaxing retreat in How Incense Can Lift Home Spirits and Improve Your Skin.

The Mind-Body Link

There is a strong connection between the mind and the body. Holistic practitioners believe our bodies are made up of mutually dependent parts. They believe if one part is out of kilter, the others will be affected. For example, when we're not well physically, it impacts our emotional health. And, when we're struggling mentally, it also affects our physical health. Your emotional state can directly impact your physical state and vice versa.

When it comes to taking charge of your health and wellbeing, it’s important to keep this intricate connection in mind. Research shows that mind-body focused activities can help to improve psychological functioning, reduce the symptoms of sickness, and increase one's overall quality of life.

To try this yourself, read How a Five Minute ‘At Home’ Facial Massage Can Help Reduce Anxious Thoughts And Facial Tension and follow the steps in the video.

So, how can you boost your mind-body wellness to reap the benefits of a more balanced life and better health and wellbeing?

The first step would be to become more aware of your body-mind connection. Some ideas could be to be more mindful of everything you do. Pay attention to your body and honour its needs and limits. For example, when you eat, ask yourself, “Does this meal nourish my body with nutrients? How does my body feel after eating this meal?” Another idea would be to foster positive friendships and seek ways to connect with others on a deeper level than simply socialising. 

For more simple strategies, go to Discover 5 Steps To Improve Your Wellness.

No matter where you start, it’s also important to keep in mind that holistic therapies are meant to be complementary and are not intended to replace any doctor-approved treatment plans. Always talk to your medical professional before starting any at-home holistic treatments, and don’t stop any medical treatment without discussing it with your practitioner first.

Have you ever used holistic therapies? Share your experience with our community, by leaving a message below or sharing a DM with us @wearewo_uk