How to Spot a Wellness Grifter: Navigating the Increasingly Murky Waters of the Wellness Industry Part 1

The wellness industry is booming, attracting millions wanting better health and quality of life. However, amidst this burgeoning field lies a shadowy underbelly of wellness grifters. With the industry being largely unregulated and many of its practices involving subtle, often invisible energies, it can be difficult to discern genuine guidance from deceit. Here’s a guide on how to spot a wellness grifter and trust your own path to well-being.

What is a Grifter?

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Let’s get on the same page by defining our terms. A grifter is someone who swindles you through deception or fraud. In the context of wellness, these are individuals or companies that exploit others’ health concerns to make a profit, often using misleading claims or sleight of hand.

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What is Wellness?

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Wellness itself refers to an active ongoing process of being aware of and making choices in support of a healthy and fulfilling life. It’s holistic in nature, encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, not just the absence of disease.

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Top 5 Red Flags in the Wellness Industry

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Navigating this landscape can be tricky. There is so much information floating around, from articles to self-proclaimed experts to social media to influencers and big corporations wanting a piece of the wellness pie.

Vetting practices that support you can be time-consuming and confusing. Here are five warning signs that you might be dealing with a wellness grifter:

1. This is THE Way: Be wary of anyone who claims to have the exclusive solution to all your wellness issues. Wellness is complex, deeply personal and varies tremendously from person to person. A trustworthy practitioner respects your unique journey and collaborates with you to tailor their approach.
2. One-Size-Fits-All Advice: If the advice lacks flexibility and doesn’t consider individual differences, it’s a red flag. Effective wellness practices should allow room for personal adaptation and acknowledge that what works for one might not work for another.
3. High-Pressure Tactics: High-pressure sales tactics have no place in true wellness practice. If you’re being pressured to make quick decisions, particularly about expensive treatments or long-term packages, think twice. These practices hijack your amygdala and spur you into action based on, not sound reasoning.
4. Demonizing Others: Beware of practitioners who demonize entire sectors of the medical community, holistic practices, or other wellness practitioners. While critiques can be valid, extreme negativity may suggest a grifter is more interested in tearing others down than lifting you up. It also isolates you from other possible solutions; often, a blend of practices that are tailored to your needs offers lasting solutions.
5. Grand Promises: Be cautious of anyone promising miraculous, instant cures. Genuine wellness practices typically require time, patience, and lifestyle adjustments. If it feels too good to be true, it likely is.

While the wellness industry offers a bounty of practices to try in terms of living in alignment with your peak health and a fulfilled life, it also requires a sharp eye to navigate its less scrupulous elements. Watch for part two next week where we’ll look at how to develop discernment.

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Any thoughts to add? Drop me a note I would love to hear them

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Be Well,

Cathy

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P.S. If you’re looking for more articles, visit me over at Medium ​

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