This lesson is on the stomach, with particular focus on its capacity to generate conditions of extreme acidity, this being key in its function of protein digestion. First we survey the anatomy of this region, then look in detail at the physiology of acid production. Panning back we look at the intimate connection between good stomach fire and the digestive processes of the pancreatic and biliary systems, as well as those common problems of reflux and respiratory issues. From this understanding, consequences of a low acidity are considered, as well the many drivers for low stomach acid in the modern body. We look at the ancient bacteria Helicobacter pylori, and offer a more nuanced understanding of its presence in the body. We then grapple with some seeming inconsistencies of the mainstream method for dealing with stomach problems, and consider more integrative approaches to gently stoke and sustain this great inner fire.

The final lesson of this course gathers what has been learnt about processes driving the degeneration of the vascular system focusing on the importance of key nutrients, including magnesium and vitamin K2. We visit the clotting cascade and look in detail at the role of insulin resistance, homocysteine, fructose and uric acid in cardiovascular disease. Having clarified key contributors, pathways to help heal our broken hearts are explored.

The first lesson covers the basic anatomy and physiology of the heart and major blood vessels, the learning initially guided by John Campbell. Having grasped the fundamentals, we reflect on the model of the ‘heart as a pump’. This then turns the focus to the flood plains of the microvasculature, its glycocalyx and the role of structured water in maintaining the flow of our vast waterways. Having opened some of the mysteries of circulation, the lesson closes by contemplating the energetic significance of the human heart seen through traditional Chinese medicine.

In the clinical presentations lesson, the focus is on the clinical presentation of cardio and cerebrovascular disease, from angina and heart attacks to arrhythmias, heart failure, strokes, thrombosis, and chronic oedema. This helps provide a feel for the terrain of the vascular system, when chronically out of balance, helping to refine diagnostic skills. We conclude by looking at some of the tools of assessment and interventions used by mainstream medicine, their strengths and limitations.

The first lesson covers the basic anatomy and physiology of the heart and major blood vessels, the learning initially guided by John Campbell. Having grasped the fundamentals, we reflect on the model of the ‘heart as a pump’. This then turns the focus to the flood plains of the microvasculature, its glycocalyx and the role of structured water in maintaining the flow of our vast waterways. Having opened some of the mysteries of circulation, the lesson closes by contemplating the energetic significance of the human heart seen through traditional Chinese medicine.

The next lesson starts by providing an overview of the epidemiology of vascular disease and the story behind the demonisation of saturated fats and cholesterol. Different lipoproteins and their role in fat transport and metabolism are explored in depth, providing a solid foundation for interpreting blood lipid markers and assessing cardiovascular risk. We look at the pathophysiology of the formation of atheroma and the contributing drivers in this process. The lesson concludes with a study of microvasculature, the heart cells or myocytes, and the importance of mitochondria for a healthy heart.

In this lesson attention is given to two related conditions of immune dysregulation – Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), affecting the vertebrae of the back and pelvis; and Psoriasis, manifesting mainly in the skin. Both conditions have some relation to the genetic configuration of HLA B27 and both share a similar pathophysiology of inflammation, overgrowth and thickening of soft tissue. We look in detail at the different presentations for both these diagnoses and explore the underlying drivers, pulling together the threads from previous lessons. In the exploration we discover a particularly relevant connection between AS, dietary starches and the gut microbiome. This foundation of understanding helps delineate pathways to rebalance and heal these conditions. 

The focus of this lesson is the fascinating ancient chemical mediator employed by the immune system – histamine. First, we look at how it is created and broken down and its diverse functions in the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and nervous system. The cascade of symptoms that ensue when the ‘histamine bucket’ spills over, as well as the contributors to this excess, are explored. Finally, we consider the connection between stretchy skin, flexible joints, mast cells and histamine. Focus is then turned to two common conditions of histamine associated immune dysregulation or “atopy” – eczema and asthma. We look in detail at their clinical presentation, histopathology and contributory drivers. On the foundation of the understanding gathered, we consider short and long-term pathways to heal this imbalance.

This lesson revisits the realm of the immune system, revising the core concepts covered in Course II. Descriptions of immune function have traditionally employed the language of war – here we explore more nuanced perspectives. We move on to contemplate the epidemic of immune disorders in the modern body expressed in allergy and autoimmunity, and then focus in on the key drivers for this dysregulation. The classical categories of hypersensitivity reactions are summarised as a foundation to interpret and understand the different manifestations of immune dysfunction.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) are two well known and sometimes devastating autoimmune conditions. With a predilection for joints, the autoimmune process is systemic, affecting a range of organ systems. This lesson takes a detailed look at the clinical manifestation of these disorders and the pathophysiology. We then consider the patterns of dysregulation and imbalance that may underlie, bringing together the content covered in previous lessons and introducing some new insights, particularly in relation to infectious triggers of an autoimmune process. 

This lesson explores the intimate and intricate terrain of the nose, mouth, throat, and ears – a key juncture of our senses of perception and an opening into the inner realm of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system. An important indicator and contributor to general health, we pause to consider its anatomical and energetic significance. The first part of this session looks at the anatomy, function, and disorders of this region through self-directed learning. The review lesson fills in the details and offers some useful clinical insights into assessing and treating problems commonly encountered in practice.

The first lesson is an introduction to the lower respiratory system looking first at the significance of the lungs in more ancient systems of medicine. Moving on we contemplate the significance of how we breathe – what this speaks about our state of being and the downstream effects on the health of our body and its inner organs. We learn about the feedback loops for controlling our breathing pattern and the importance of carbon dioxide in setting our breathing rate. Third-party resources for self-directed study are then offered to help consolidate the basic understanding structure and physiology of the respiratory system.

Th next lesson is a deep dive into the pathophysiology of diseases affecting our lungs. Here we reinforce an appreciation of what the body needs to sustain itself in health, and what processes unfold when imbalance is sustained beyond the capacity to buffer and equilibrate. We start by contemplating the story of Tobacco and its use in Native America and the modern world. Attention is then turned to each of the big categories of ailments affecting the respiratory system; chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and hypertension, pneumonias and tuberculosis (TB), lung cancer, and cystic fibrosis. For each condition the underlying causes and manifestations in the histopathology, as well as clinical symptoms and signs are explored.

This lesson dives deep into the physiology and biochemistry of mineral homeostasis – how does the body keep the bones strong and the soft tissues free from calcification, while maintaining the blood pH and electrolyte balance? We start by looking at the anatomical structure and cellular physiology of bone and its remodelling. Attention is then turned to the hormones and vitamins involved in the intricate feedback mechanisms of mineral homeostasis: Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Calcitonin, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Osteocalcin. We look at the pathways and synergy of these different elements and consider those factors that disrupt balance. Attention is then turned to clinical and laboratory assessment and finally, strategies to help support the mineral health of the whole.   

Here we look in detail at two common conditions affecting the bones and joints – Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (OA). First, the clinical expressions and means of assessment of osteoporosis are considered, moving on to review and detail those factors that are known to contribute to good bone health. This is an opportunity to look again in some depth at the mineral and hormonal players, with a focus here on Zinc and Magnesium. The importance of muscle mass in bone health and longevity is also considered. Turning attention to OA , the structural anatomy of the collagen lining of joints is considered, as well as the pathophysiology of its degeneration – and its capacity for regeneration. This helps guide ways to both prevent and treat the extremely common problem of ‘wear and tear’ of our joints.  

This lesson introduces the structural matrix of our body – bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and fascia, keeping us upright and in movement. The first section of guided self-study focuses on the basic anatomy of muscles and bones as well as their microscopic make-up. In the review we pan back to contemplate the world of fascia, opening insights into how all the separate ‘bits’ are held together in fluid continuity. This is a fascinating realm where structure and charge meet, where the body embeds memory and feedback about who we are and how we live. We contemplate the impact of the sedentary disembodiment of modernity, and consider the means of enabling a gentle return to re-inhabit our physical being. 

Cancer has become a common diagnosis, affecting 1 in 2 people in industrialised nations. In this lesson we seek to make sense of its patterns and behaviour in order to decipher what is out of balance and why. We learn about the cellular hallmarks of cancer and then journey back to the first course where we studied cells, organelles, and energy generation. What becomes clear is that cancer is rooted in a metabolic derangement, which damages the mitochondria and their capacity to generate energy. The oxidant stress that ensues then causes ‘chromosomal instability’ with very particular patterns of genetic mutations. With this foundational appreciation of the processes at play, we consider pathways to remedy the metabolic and cellular imbalances in order to nurture a terrain unfavourable to cancer. 

The first part of this lesson is an in depth interview with Dr Sarah Myhill who has extensive experience both in clinical practice and research in fatigue states. Sharing her appreciation of fatigue as a disorder of mitochondria, she offers some wonderful insights into key drivers and practical tools for support of patients. We then seek to unravel the interconnected threads that lead to mitochondria dysfunction by focusing on the great antioxidant glutathione, key in buffering oxidant stress. This takes us on a journey through protein synthesis, detoxification, innate immunity and the methylation cycle and sulfation pathway. We then focus in on the downstream consequences of low glutathione. Shifting the focus to cellular energy generation, we consider the impacts on different organ and hormonal systems when this is compromised. This then enables an appreciation of the clinical presentation of fatigue as well as its drivers. Bringing the learning together, the understanding of these diverse systems, helps us build a map to support the return of vitality.