The Origins of the Circle of Health
While various holistic models exist, the most prominent use of the term "Circle of Health" is by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a central framework for its Whole Health initiative. The VA developed this model to help veterans explore the connections between various aspects of their lives and their overall health. Unlike traditional medical care that often focuses narrowly on treating disease, the Whole Health approach uses the Circle of Health to view an individual in a comprehensive, personalized way. In this model, health is not simply the absence of disease but a state of thriving that is influenced by multiple interconnected factors.
The Foundational Elements of the Circle
The Circle of Health model is composed of four interconnected elements, with the individual at the center.
Me: The Center of Your Health
The model begins with "Me" at the very center, representing your core identity, values, aspirations, and purpose. This is the most crucial part of the circle, as it emphasizes that your health journey should be driven by what matters most to you personally. Care should be shaped by your goals, such as wanting to be active with your family or pursuing a passion, rather than simply managing a diagnosis.
Self-Care: Empowering Your Well-Being
The next layer of the circle is self-care, which is defined as any activity you purposely do to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health. This is where much of the power of the model lies, as it acknowledges that a significant portion of your health is within your own control. This layer is further broken down into several specific areas:
- Mindful Awareness: Being present with your thoughts and feelings.
- Moving the Body: Regular exercise for energy, flexibility, and strength.
- Surroundings: The physical spaces around you that support your emotions and body.
- Personal Development: Activities that align with your purpose and growth.
- Food and Drink: Nourishing your body for optimal well-being.
- Recharge: Prioritizing adequate rest, relaxation, and sleep.
- Family, Friends, & Co-workers: Fostering supportive relationships.
- Spirit and Soul: Connecting to a sense of purpose or higher meaning.
Professional Care: Guidance and Support
Beyond self-care, the circle includes professional care, which is provided by your healthcare team. This can include conventional treatments, preventive care, and management of chronic conditions. The circle visualizes this care as an integrated part of your overall well-being, working in concert with your self-care efforts. Providers help develop a personalized plan that aligns with the individual's mission and goals.
Community: Your Environment of Support
The outermost layer of the circle represents the community, including both real-world and virtual connections. This involves the people and groups that support you, from family and friends to community organizations and social networks. A strong community can provide a sense of belonging and purpose, reinforcing your health goals and providing resilience. The Circle of Health is a model that recognizes the critical role of social and environmental factors—often called the social determinants of health—in shaping an individual's health.
The Circle of Health vs. The Wellness Wheel: A Comparison
While the concepts are similar, the Circle of Health and the Wellness Wheel have distinct focuses and applications.
| Feature | Circle of Health (VA) | Wellness Wheel (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Patient-centered care, placing the individual's mission and values at the center. | Multi-dimensional wellness across key life areas, often used for self-assessment. |
| Sectors/Dimensions | 8 self-care areas, plus Professional Care and Community. | Typically 6-8 dimensions such as physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and social. |
| Purpose | To guide veterans in a Whole Health approach, working with care teams to create a Personal Health Plan. | A tool for visualizing and assessing different areas of well-being for personal growth. |
| Implementation | Formalized within the VA system to facilitate conversations between patients and providers. | A general framework used by individuals or wellness coaches, without a specific organizational tie. |
| Emphasis | Strong emphasis on the individual's purpose and how health affects it. | Focus on balancing the different dimensions of wellness to create a smoother, more balanced life. |
How to Apply the Circle of Health in Your Life
Using the Circle of Health is a proactive step toward achieving holistic wellness. To get started, you can follow these steps:
- Reflect on Your Purpose: Start by identifying what matters most to you. What are your core values and aspirations? How does your health currently help or hinder you from pursuing them?
- Conduct a Self-Care Inventory: Evaluate your satisfaction and habits in each of the eight self-care areas of the circle. This provides a clear picture of your strengths and areas needing improvement.
- Set Shared Goals: Based on your self-reflection and inventory, work with your healthcare team to set actionable, measurable, and time-delineated (SMART) goals.
- Create a Personal Health Plan: This plan should be guided by your overarching mission and the goals you've set. It might include actions related to self-care, skill-building, or connecting with community resources.
- Utilize Your Community: Leverage the resources and support systems available in your community. Whether it's a social group, a support network, or a local service, your community is a vital part of your health.
- Assess and Adapt: Health is a dynamic process. Regularly revisit your plan and assess your progress. Your goals and needs may evolve over time, and your plan should adapt with you.
For more information on the model and its application, you can explore the resources available through the Veterans Health Administration, which has extensively developed and championed this approach. See the link to the VA Whole Health website for more details.
Conclusion: A Holistic Path Forward
The circle of health provides a powerful, person-centered framework for understanding and pursuing holistic wellness. By moving beyond a narrow focus on symptoms and instead looking at the interconnectedness of our lives, we can empower ourselves to make meaningful changes. This model encourages us to place our personal values at the core of our health journey, leveraging self-care, professional expertise, and community support to achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.
