ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I tackle whether we can fight off disease simply by being attentive, eating well, getting exercise, talking to people (and therapists), and living supremely healthy lives? Natural wellness fueled by tech—so-called welltech—has emerged as a formidable force of consumer-oriented health power, even as an alternative to industrial drugs or vaccines. Welltech, including spas, supplements, and low-grade medical interventions, is arguably a ballooning $4.5 trillion market—but is it scientifically based? Or when will it be? What is natural immunity? What to make of functional foods, neutraceuticals, probiotics, the microbiome, autogenous training, and the power of positive thinking? What does the evidence show? Who are the key actors? What are the pathbreaking products to watch out for? Lastly, to what extent can natural wellness be combined with traditional medical science? Some so-called alternative medicine treatments have been (somewhat) incorporated in contemporary medicine, including acupuncture and physical therapy. At the end of the day, is welltech a panacea? If so by when?
