Our Approach
Here we outline the school’s approach to the study of the human body.
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
III. CONTEXT
IV. THE 'SCIENCE'
II. DISEASE
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 Course 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 has brought a simplicity and coherence to what might otherwise appear as random, complicated, and 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 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.