This lesson seeks to frame the current epidemic of chronic disease in a historical context, in order to grasp the significance of our current trajectory. Returning to humanity’s origins we survey our ancestor’s journey across all the earth's continents and gather the evidence of health and degeneration of the human frame. More recently, Weston Price’s study of indigenous people offers some key insights into likely drivers of many chronic diseases. Turning the attention to current times, we look at recent data on the categories of health problems currently afflicting humans, and their impact on our vitality and mortality. Contemplating the pharmaceutical best sellers also provides an interesting map of growth of our malaise.

The term anti-oxidant is an often-used term in the marketing of many foods and supplements, but what does it actually mean? What are oxidants? Where do they arise? Do they have a purpose? This lesson focuses on the biochemical and cellular processes that generate specific oxidants and their important role in cell signalling. That oxidants may cause lipid peroxidation, protein and DNA damage is perhaps more generally appreciated, possibly less so their role in immune regulation, thyroxine production and mitochondria generation. The buffering cellular antioxidant system is explored, with a focus on glutathione and the enzyme system that breaks down oxidants. Having gathered the detail, a meta pattern of ‘REDOX homeostasis’ can then be considered, as well as some of the more commonly recognised DNA transcription factors fine tuning these responses.

Structure and Function – Central Nervous System, introduces the Central Nervous System (CNS) with a particular focus on the brain. We start by contemplating the historical context of the brain size of Homo sapiens compared to our predecessors and other species including dolphins. Guidance is then given for self-directed learning with third-party resources on the basic anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system. Finally, some fascinating and enlightening talks on some of the mysteries of brain function and health are offered.

Structure and Function – Autonomic Nervous System focuses on the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) starting with an introduction to the biochemistry of an important group of neuro-transmitters – the catecholamines. An overview of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS is given, before moving onto the self-directed learning from a variety of resources.

We then delve deep into the mysteries of the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), focusing in detail on the great wondering nerve – the Vagus. We learn how the vagus atunes our heart, mind and inner organs in states of ease and trust, and coheres our whole body to the greater rhythm of life. Attention is then turned to the neurotransmitters and receptors of the PNS, the natural and synthetic chemicals that block and augment their action. A final introduction is given to the more hidden aspect of the dorsal vagus explored in the course that follows on trauma.

In this lesson we take a long deep look at the mysterious unconscious realm of sleep. The lesson starts with an overview of how the innovation of electricity has altered our circadian rhythm with chronic sleep deprivation becoming the new normal. Having gathered an overview of the consequences of poor sleep, the neurological, physiological, and hormonal rhythms of our sleeping and waking are explored in depth. With this foundation of understanding, the lesson concludes looking at ways of supporting ourselves to ease into this restorative state.  

Structure and Function – Central Nervous System, introduces the Central Nervous System (CNS) with a particular focus on the brain. We start by contemplating the historical context of the brain size of Homo sapiens compared to our predecessors and other species including dolphins. Guidance is then given for self-directed learning with third-party resources on the basic anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system. Finally, some fascinating and enlightening talks on some of the mysteries of brain function and health are offered.

Structure and Function – Autonomic Nervous System focuses on the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) starting with an introduction to the biochemistry of an important group of neuro-transmitters – the catecholamines. An overview of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS is given, before moving onto the self-directed learning from a variety of resources.

In Sympathetic Nervous System and Central Neurotransmitters, we focus in detail on the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) – its anatomy, neurotransmitters, receptors and actions. Its central connections are then followed deep into the midbrain to the locus coeruleus. From here we look at other neural networks and their neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate, endorphins, and substance P.  Learning about their actions and interactions, it can be seen how the biochemistry of the brain orchestrates (or perhaps is orchestrated by), different states of being.

In the lesson on attachment, Sean unpacks this very important concept and how it affects our ability to connect with others and therefore our overall sense of psychological wellbeing.

In this presentation by Sean Hearn we explore how trauma imprints itself on the layers of our nervous system, and how in nature it is released. We look at how this release might be impeded and the consequences of long held trauma. We look at ways of understanding its expression and of healing our individual, collective and generational trauma.

In this segment Sean Heard takes us through a collection of embodiment techniques that can help to restore a sense of peace.

The introductory lesson offers an overview of the body’s endocrine system. The central regulatory role of the hypothalamic-pituitary is touched on, and we look at the fascinating embryology of this critical junction between the nervous and endocrine systems. Resources for self-directed learning are then shared.

Resources are then shared to guide self-study on the function and anatomy of the female and male reproductive system. However, before launching into the detail we take a moment to marvel at the wondrous and sacred capacity, through union, to create new life.

The introduction to the urinary system starts by contemplating a more nuanced and energetic appreciation of our kidneys passed on through the ancient Daoist system. We are then guided through the resources for self study. The review highlights key aspects of the kidneys’ biological role, then focusing in detail on useful laboratory assessments of renal function – both from a urinary dipstick and blood parameters. The lesson closes looking at stages of renal failure, unfortunately common in the postmodern body, and considers the underlying drivers.

We then takes a deep dive into this core hormonal axis running from the delicate interface of the hypothalamus and pituitary deep inside the brain, to the adrenals – the HPA axis. We first look at the neural connections that feed into the hypothalamus, then turn attention to the tiny adrenal glands generating a range of hormones that tune our circadian rhythm, our stress response, our capacity to calm and restore. The adrenal hormones are all manufactured from cholesterol, so we pause to look at the cellular pathways for cholesterol production, a precursor for so many critical biochemicals. Cortisol then becomes the focus as we seek to decipher its purpose, looking at many complex and sometimes seemingly conflicted actions on the body’s systems. Finally, states of both cortisol excess and depletion are considered, their clinical presentation and underlying drivers.

The focus with this lesson shifts to endocrine regulation of our reproductive system – the Hypothalamic Pituitary Gonadal (HPG) Axis. Starting with a detailed look at the biochemistry of the sex hormones, we learn about the complex shifting relationship between the members of this family of steroid hormones as they transform into each other. Attention is then given to oestrogen, its different forms and its many actions. This takes us on a journey to its darker side – the oestrogen industry, petrochemicals, plastics, pesticides and the gamut of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the earth's waterways and in our bodies. We contemplate the role of oestrogen-dominance in driving inflammation and look at how to remedy these imbalances.   

This lesson starts by exploring the unsung hero of hormonal health – progesterone – first clarifying the great confusion of nomenclature of its synthetic lookalikes, then learning about its balancing actions and what causes its depletion. Focus is then turned to the androgens, their role in maintaining anabolic balance and factors that cause their dysregulation. Finally, the attention is given to prolactin and oxytocin and the ramifications of their connection which extends well beyond their important role in childbirth and breastfeeding.

This lesson has its focus on some of the more common clinical manifestations of dysregulation of the sex hormones: polycystic ovaries, fibroids, endometriosis, and endometrial cancer. Detailing the symptoms and signs, we also revisit the underlying drivers and means by which to redress these imbalances. Attention is then turned to the laboratory assessment of hormonal dysregulation, both those available in general Practice and explored in the DUTCH test. Finally we look at the lab work in some case studies as a useful review of what has been covered.

This lesson looks at the far reaching functions of this tiny butterfly shaped gland, the thyroid. Responsible for regulating both energy and protein production of all our cells and organs, it is the body’s sensitive thermostat of vitality. We explore the intimate details of thyroid function, from its cellular biochemistry, feedback loops, and end-organ action. The expressions of an over- and underactive thyroid, as well as clinical signs and laboratory assessment are then contemplated. Understanding the function and needs of this gland offers insights into what is contributing to the epidemic of thyroid disease in the modern body, and these drivers are considered in depth. The remedy for any imbalance then becomes clear.     

Colorectal cancer is a relatively common cancer in the modern world, so important for consideration. In this lesson we explore the phenomenon of cancer, from the mainstream perspective of categorisation of cell type, location, levels of differentiation, staging of growth, and associated genetic mutations. This helps decipher the significance of language often used in oncology, as well as offering insights into the pathophysiology. The relationship between relatively common benign gastrointestinal polyps and bowel cancer is considered. We then look at the approaches generally used to treat cancer; surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, their limitations and side effects. Attention is then turned to the causal drivers, from shifts in the microbiome to nitrites as food preservatives. With the importance of early diagnosis, we look at different possibilities for screening and their effectiveness. Finally a consideration of approaches, including some powerful medicinal plants that may offer some remedy for this imbalance.

This lesson on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) explores Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), where a cycle of inflammation damages the inner skin of the gastrointestinal tract. We focus first on the pathophysiology and clinical presentation to help differentiate IBD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohns and UC. Attention is then turned to the associated immune dysregulation and those factors that will tend to both trigger and feed the inflammatory process. We review mainstream approaches and the common principles underlying different integrative approaches to support remission and healing.  

This lesson explores the inner skin of our gastrointestinal tract. We first review what has been covered in previous lessons on the microbiome, tight junctions and nervous system of the gut, detailing the understanding with insights on the enteric nervous system and the delicate absorptive surface of the small intestine. With an appreciation of what is needed for this part of the bowel to be in health, the focus is turned to disorders that affect its function, in particular Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a very common and misunderstood presentation. The systemic consequences of this condition are considered, as well as its clinical and laboratory assessment. Focus is then turned to factors contributing to this disorder, enabling learning of the pathways that may re-balance this part of our inner terrain.