Reclaiming Holistic Health & Wellness as Liberals
For too long, the concept of holistic health and wellness has been co-opted by conservative movements, wrapped in pseudoscience, and weaponized against public health. The rise of the "Make America Healthy Again" movement is just the latest example—pushing an anti-vaccine, anti-modern medicine agenda under the guise of "natural living." But true holistic health isn’t about rejecting science; it’s about integrating evidence-based medicine with mindful, preventative care. It’s time for liberals to reclaim wellness as a space for equity, accessibility, and science-backed self-care.
Holistic Health Is Not a Right-Wing Conspiracy
Holistic health should be about whole-person well-being—body, mind, and spirit—not a rejection of science or an excuse to spread misinformation. While conservatives have turned "natural health" into a catch-all for fearmongering about vaccines, government regulations, and modern medicine, the real wellness movement should be rooted in balance.
At The Meyers Touch, we believe that food can be medicine, that movement and mindfulness improve longevity, and that children should be vaccinated. Period. There is no contradiction in supporting both natural, nutrient-dense foods and the life-saving advancements of modern medicine.
The Right-Wing Wellness Problem
Movements like "Make America Healthy Again" thrive on individualism—selling the idea that personal responsibility trumps public health. This is the same ideology that led to vaccine hesitancy, mask refusal, and a rejection of basic pandemic precautions. It’s no surprise that many of the loudest voices in right-wing wellness spaces are also pushing conspiracy theories and diet culture extremism disguised as "health freedom."
Holistic health, when truly inclusive and ethical, doesn’t reject medical intervention—it enhances it. Supporting herbal remedies and acupuncture doesn’t mean denying the importance of vaccines. Practicing yoga and meditation doesn’t mean rejecting psychiatric care. Prioritizing gut health doesn’t mean ignoring the existence of antibiotics. The conservative wellness movement wants to create false binaries, but the truth is, real health is nuanced.
Wellness Should Be Inclusive, Not Privileged
True holistic health isn’t just about green juices and infrared saunas—it’s about making health accessible to everyone. The conservative version of "natural wellness" often caters to privileged individuals who can afford expensive supplements, boutique fitness classes, and organic-only lifestyles while dismissing systemic health inequities.
Liberal wellness prioritizes:
Public health measures: Vaccines, reproductive healthcare, and access to accurate medical information
Food justice: Addressing food deserts, supporting local farms, and making healthy food available to all
Mental health care: Destigmatizing therapy, advocating for better healthcare coverage, and recognizing the mind-body connection
Worker rights & rest: Fighting for better work-life balance, paid sick leave, and policies that support long-term health
The Future of Liberal Wellness
Reclaiming holistic health means advocating for wellness that is science-driven, inclusive, and accessible. It means supporting both ancient remedies and modern medicine, acknowledging systemic barriers to health, and rejecting the individualist, anti-science rhetoric that has infiltrated the wellness industry.
Health is not just personal—it’s political. And true wellness is not about turning away from society but about building one that is healthier for everyone.