Mr. Okada’s wellness program was developed during the 1930’s up until the time of his death in 1955. It has been continued by thousands of followers in Japan and other countries throughout Asia, South America, Europe, Hawaii, and around the globe since that time (Kawai, 1998). Fortunately, although there was rampant criticism about natural health and organic agriculture during his lifetime, ample current studies support its benefits to longevity and quality of life. Naturopathic physicians, nutritionists, integrative health professionals and others have conducted ample studies in recent decades to echo the concepts that Mr. Okada introduced during his lifetime.
Energy Medicine Research and Purifying Therapy
Introduction
Gardening Activities
Regarding the therapeutic significance of promoting horticulture therapy and the consumption of organic and home-grown foods, there are multiple studies.
Consuming Organic foods
Consumption of organic foods is also a topic of considerable study. Dr. Walter Crinnon, ND (1995) reported that organic foods contained higher levels of nutrient minerals, and lower levels of heavy metals (Llewelen Pub.)
Beauty and Health
Exposure to nature and beauty is a critical aspect of the Okada Wellness program. Engaging in stress-reduction activities, such as flower arranging, which develop this kind of sensitivity, is a regular aspect of the treatment program. Art and exposure to nature has been associated with the stress adaptation response (SAM) system of the central nervous system (Sapolsky, 1999).
Purifying Therapy and Energy Medicine Research
Energy medicine is one of the five domains of “complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) identified by the National Center for Contemporary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) in the United States (2005). Other NCCAM classifications include Alternative Medical Systems, Mind-Body Interventions, Biologically Based Therapy and Manipulative Methods.
