Fortunately, the world seems to be slowly waking up after a long sleep to the need for a more holistic way of life, a more integrated way of looking at health. Is health an almost unattainable goal or a natural situation? I believe in those healers and doctors who tell us that health is, or should be, our natural given condition. Instead of always looking for the culprits of our illnesses and diseases, perhaps we can take the first step towards perfect health and wellness by redefining what health really is.

There is an incredible amount of genetic variation among human beings and, looking from the perspective of astrology, there is also a wide variety of combination of possible planetary influences. Striving for an exact ideal numerical value for body mass index, blood pressure, and body weight is not only unreasonable, it also creates a lot of stress for people trying to feel better and be healthier. Imagine if there was only one size of clothing available in stores. Aside from the lucky few who are actually that size, the rest of the world would be constantly uncomfortable.

Different people thrive on different diets, benefit more from different types of exercise, enjoy different work environments. Although Medical Astrology is a very elaborate and technical area of ​​Astrology, there are a few things that can benefit the layman in their quest to achieve and maintain ideal health and wellness.

People who have most or all of their planets in masculine signs (Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius or Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are prone to developing “dry” and “hot” conditions. High blood pressure, heart problems, stress, fevers, etc. Obviously, once disease manifests, one needs to see a qualified physician, but the key to health success is actually avoiding disease.

Adding activities that bring in water and earth energies, such as swimming, walking, practicing martial arts, playing or at least listening to music, singing, dancing, painting, drawing, will restore the elemental imbalance and thus delay or prevent for complete these potential health problems. Likewise, slightly modifying your diet to include more “wet” and “cold” foods can go a long way toward achieving balance. As long as one is healthy, there is absolutely no need for drastic changes. Gently incorporating these energies into our lives does not require a large financial investment or a complete change of habits.

At the opposite extreme are people whose birth chart shows most or all of the planets in feminine signs (Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces and Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn). Type 2 diabetes, joint problems, obesity, lethargy, and depression are often caused by this type of elemental imbalance. People with this planetary arrangement will greatly benefit from explosive sports, aerobics, tennis, soccer, debates, conferences, participation in large group activities, etc. Hot spices, salty snacks, dried nuts, legumes, garlic, ginger added or increased in the diet can restore balance by providing missing fire and air energies. It’s best to avoid eating too many sweets, as refined sugar can be very harmful for everyone, and especially for people with this type of elemental imbalance.

Perfect physical and mental health are intrinsically linked and very personal. What benefits some people might do absolutely nothing, or even be downright harmful for others. Knowing your “I” and your place in the Universe, and being sure of your connection to the Divine, are essential to finding the right way to stay healthy.