Our Approach
How do we know what we know? How do we arrive at our conclusions?
Four Sources of Knowing
The foundation of this exploration of the human body rests on four sources of knowing. Individually each represents an understanding of human health from a particular perspective. Together, when cross-referenced, these approaches enable greater assuredness of any conclusions reached.
I. HEALTH
II. DISEASE
III. CONTEXT
IV. THE 'SCIENCE'
Tree of Disorder
Based on the Four Sources of Knowing, the Tree of Disorder is a visual resume of the key drivers of chronic disease, and is the framework for the content of the Lesson Library.
Its use and beauty is the revelation that the dizzying number of diagnostic labels (canopy), are driven by common biological processes (trunk), which in turn share underlying causes (roots).
This framework brings a simplicity and coherence to what might otherwise appear as random, complicated, or meaningless. The pattern and volume of the drivers and manifestations of imbalance are unique for each individual, an expression of their particular strengths and vulnerabilities, their life’s journey, and their generational lineage.
In the canopy are the physical manifestations of imbalance (symptoms),
categorised into a named ‘dis-ease’. Naming a disease does not
however explain why it has arisen. This 'why' can be quite a mystery,
influenced by our genetic and ancestral lineage, our strengths
and weaknesses, and our unique journey through life. Within this
complexity, there is simplicity – all diverse chronic diseases are
generated in the milieu of similar biological processes, indicated
here in the tree trunk. These in turn are brought about and sustained
by the causes in the tree roots.
The trunk represents key biological processes, structures, and
functions that are affected by sustained imbalance and stress.
Each of these interact and overlap in complex ways, both over
time, and at the same time. When disrupted further problems
downstream are generated. Understanding these key regulatory
systems and how they interact, helps us to decipher the language
of the body and what it needs for its healing.
Roots are elements in the way we live, the world we live in and our life
experience, that cause imbalance and thus stress. The resulting impact on our
body may be temporary. However, when these stressors are multiple and
sustained, they begin to effect the life supporting systems of our biology.
Unhelpful feedback loops may then develop which compromise our resilience.
If left, these can result in dis-ease. Some of these roots are relatively easy
to modify. Others take time and patience. Some we carry throughout our life.
What we cannot change can become a source of learning and engage our
capacity for self acceptance.