Concepts of health and wellness vary in culture and time. Chinese medicine defines health as 健康 (Jian Kang), literally "Building Health." It is the idea of wellness as an active process of becoming aware and making conscious choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. 

Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth. It is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease. In traditional Chinese medical and philosophical thought, living according to the seasons promotes the four treasures of longevity, prosperity, health and happiness.