What is Health?  Printer Friendly Version
Most people seek medical attention for symptoms that are either chronic or mysterious. The prevalent approach by the medical profession is to try and find a pathology (a degenerative condition), and/or to introduce pharmaceuticals aimed at suppressing the symptoms. This approach can be helpful in a life threatening situation but it is of little help with common problems. In fact it can be detrimental. This is why:
Health or wellness is a reflection of one's ability to maintain an internal balance, even as the environment is constantly changing. An example of this is body temperature. When external temperature fluctuates, the body easily regulates itself. With extreme temperatures, symptoms occur such as shivering or sweating. These symptoms are a reflection of the body's efforts to maintain normal temperature.
If the extreme temperatures persist and the body's attempts are overwhelmed, a crisis (hypothermia) will manifest, and with this comes an associated reduction in vitality. In other words, if the person's ability to adapt is diminished, degeneration occurs, and this lessens chances of survival.
The physical messages that we call 'symptoms' are a reflection of a highly intelligent system. Suppressing this system with medications aimed only at reducing the messages, can be detrimental, even dangerous.
Interpreting symptoms and skillfully addressing the underlying factors that are hindering the body's ability to self regulate - this approach is called biological medicine.
Biological Medicine
Biological medicine utilizes a nurturing model to identify perpetuators of imbalance, and to enhance the body's ability to self-regulate and heal. As first described by Dr. Sid Baker, (author of Detoxification and Healing) good health requires nurturance. Nurturance by definition, insures the body's needs and at the same time, avoids factors that are toxic or harmful. This includes evaluation of nutritional status and assessment of lifestyle, such as physical activity, stress, sleep, and emotional well being. It can also include investigation into possible toxic exposure and the necessary support to aid the body in detoxification. [read more...]
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"We must recognize that our culture is predominately a "head" culture and that we are sadly lacking in body consciousness.
There is a big difference between being conscious of the body and having a body consciousness. One can be conscious of the body with a head consciousness, and this is true of so many people who engage in physical culture... professional athletics and the performing arts. The body is seen then as the instrument of the ego, not as the true self. I have long since gotten over my surprise at how little they are in touch with their bodies.
Body consciousness occupies a mid-position between head consciousness and the unconscious, and thus it serves to connect and orient us with the mysterious forces in our nature."
-- Alexander Lowen, M.D.,
Bioenergetics |
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