Beyond Symptoms - Why You Need an Integrative Approach

An integrative approach to optimal health and personal performance considers the whole person - the body with all its systems, the mind, and your emotions. It is more than just about physical well-being; it encompasses emotional, mental, and social health. Even your environment plays a role and needs to be considered. It is important to recognize that all these areas are interconnected and contribute to overall health and performance.

No Body System Works Alone: The Interconnectedness of the Human Body

The human body is a complex, interconnected system where each part works in harmony with the others to maintain overall health and functionality. Understanding this interconnectedness is crucial for appreciating why a holistic approach to health is so important. Here’s a closer look at why no body system works in isolation:

The Circulatory System

The circulatory system is responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body. It supports every other system by delivering essential substances needed for their functions. For instance:

• Muscular System: Muscles need a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function and recover after exertion.
• Nervous System: The brain and nerves require a steady supply of oxygen and glucose from the blood to maintain cognitive functions and nerve transmissions.

The Nervous System

The nervous system controls and coordinates all bodily functions, from voluntary movements to involuntary actions like heartbeat and digestion. It interacts with:

• Digestive System: Nerve signals control the movement of food through the digestive tract and the release of digestive enzymes.
• Endocrine System: The hypothalamus in the brain controls the pituitary gland, which in turn regulates hormone production by other glands.
• Muscular System: Nerves stimulate muscle contractions and control movements.

The Endocrine System

The endocrine system consists of glands that release hormones, which regulate processes such as growth, metabolism, and mood. Hormones affect:

• Reproductive System: Hormones like estrogen and testosterone are vital for reproductive health and functions.
• Skeletal System: Hormones regulate bone growth and calcium balance.

The Respiratory System

The respiratory system supplies oxygen to the blood and removes carbon dioxide. Its functions are intertwined with:

• Circulatory System: The lungs oxygenate blood, which is then circulated throughout the body.
• Muscular System: Muscles require oxygen for energy production during physical activity.

The Digestive System

The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. It supports:

• Immune System: A large portion of the immune system is located in the gut, where it interacts with nutrients and pathogens.
• Endocrine System: The digestive system signals the release of hormones that regulate hunger, satiety, and metabolism.
• Nervous System: The brain and gut are connected through the nervous system via the vagus nerve which plays a key role in the digestive system.

The Muscular System

The muscular system enables movement and maintains posture. It works closely with:

• Skeletal System: Muscles attach to bones and cause movement by contracting and relaxing.
• Nervous System: Nerves stimulate muscle contractions and control movements.
• Lymphatic System: Muscle contraction and movement influence the lymphatic system.

The Immune System

The immune system protects the body against infections and diseases. Its function is connected with:

• Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system transports immune cells and removes toxins from the body.
• Digestive System: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the functioning of the immune system.

The Skeletal System

The skeletal system provides structure, protects organs, and facilitates movement. It interacts with:

• Muscular System: Bones and muscles work together to produce movement.
• Circulatory System: Bone marrow produces blood cells.

The human body functions as an integrated whole, with each system relying on the others for optimal performance. Disruptions in one system can affect the entire body, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to health.

In addition, our thoughts/minds and emotions can affect any of these systems as well as vice versa. If one body system doesn’t function well, it can have an effect on our emotions, mood, energy, and more.

Many of my clients come to me after trying various isolated approaches with little or only short-term results. An integrative approach can seem overwhelming at first as it takes a bit of time to figure out what system needs the most attention. Often, the symptoms do not necessarily correlate with the system that is not functioning as the brain is very good in compensating to stay alive.

Here are some steps to help you identify where to begin:

Self-Assessment

• Health Journal: Start by keeping a health journal for a week. Note your daily habits, including what you eat, how much you exercise, your sleep patterns, stress levels, energy levels, and emotional state.
• Identify “Pain” Points: Look for patterns and areas where you feel discomfort or dissatisfaction. This could be physical pain, fatigue, high stress, poor diet, or lack of exercise.

Set Priorities

• Immediate Needs: Focus on the areas that are causing the most significant issues in your life right now. For example, if you're constantly tired, addressing sleep and energy levels should be a priority.
• Long-term Goals: Think about what you want to achieve in the long run. How is your current state impacting your long-term goals?

Consult Professionals

• Health Check-Up: Schedule a comprehensive health check-up with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions that need immediate attention.
• Other Practitioners: Consider consulting with holistic health practitioners like a naturopath, nutritionist, or coach who can provide personalized guidance. Holistic health practitioners are more knowledgeable of the interconnectedness of the different systems. Yes, sometimes we need to talk to multiple practitioners as each system is complex in itself.

My coaching follows an integrative approach and yet, I can’t know, nobody can know, every detail about every system. Every system is very complex. I believe that great practitioners know when to refer out in specific situations. I work closely with nutritionists, chiropractors, trauma specialists, etc.

Use Resources and Tools

• Books and Articles: Read about holistic health principles and strategies. Look for credible sources and expert opinions.
• Apps and Trackers: Utilize health and wellness apps to track your progress, remind you of your goals, and provide guided practices such as meditation or workout routines.

Start Small and Build Gradually

• Incremental Changes: Begin with small, manageable changes. For example, if you want to improve your diet, start by adding one serving of vegetables to your meals each day.
• Build Habits: Focus on creating one new healthy habit at a time. Once it becomes a part of your routine, move on to the next change.

Create a Support System

• Friends and Family: Share and talk to as many people as possible. We don’t have research studies for everything yet. I got new perspectives and ideas from friends that led me to try out a new direction for my journey of healing. No doctor or professional would have been able to give this vital first-hand experience information.
• Join Communities: Look for local or online communities of like-minded or like-challenged individuals who are also on a journey to become healthier.

Focus on Core Areas First

Consider starting with these foundational areas, as improvements here can have a ripple effect on other aspects of your health:

Create Routine

• Morning Routine: Start your day with a routine that works best for you, sets you up for success, and helps you to stay focused.
• Evening Routine: A good evening routine helps you to calm your brain and body and gets you ready for a good night’s sleep.

Nutrition

• Eat Whole Foods: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your diet.
• Hydration: Ensure you drink enough water daily.

Physical Activity

• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Choose activities you enjoy to stay motivated.

Sleep

• Quality Sleep: Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a consistent sleep routine and create a restful sleep environment.

Stress Management

• Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or other brain-based drills into your daily routine to manage stress.
• Relaxation Techniques: Find activities that help you relax and unwind, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.

Emotional Well-being

• Positive Relationships: Foster healthy and supportive relationships with friends, family, and community.
• Self-care: Dedicate time to activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

A holistic approach to health and personal performance is essential for achieving true well-being. By considering the interconnectedness of your physical, mental, emotional, and social health, you can lead a more balanced, fulfilling life. While doctors are important, self-empowerment and proactive self-care are crucial for maintaining optimal health.

This blog is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Instead, it aims to provide an overview and present a new perspective.