print page

bookmark

send to friend

Healing

In the process of learning about our bodies, doctors have studied the structure and function of our various organs. In doing so, each of the organs has acquired some degree of perceived independence, and many doctors themselves have chosen to specialize in the study and treatment of various disorders of these organs, in effect limiting the scope of their own knowledge and experience.  

As we learn more about how the body works, however, we are coming to a new understanding of the intimate connections and interdependency of all of our organs and organ systems. We are learning that the connections between and among the organs are not just anatomic or structural (i.e. the leg bone's connected to the hipbone...)

All of our organs are connected - not only by the flow of blood and of lymph fluid, but also by the nerves, as well as a host of biochemical messengers (hormones, neurotransmitters, and others, which are steadily being discovered), and by the immune system, which travels through the bloodstream and courses through every organ in our body.

What this means is constant feedback, connectivity and interdependence among all of our organs. This explains in part how someone with a liver problem can develop problems with their memory, or how people with gastrointestinal problems can develop skin rashes, arthritis or eye problems, or how someone with depression can develop weak bones and osteoporosis. These are just a few examples illustrating this high degree of communication and connectedness among our organs systems.

This new understanding is now enabling us to restore balance in a variety of conditions that were previously difficult to understand and treat. Rather than viewing each organ as a separate entity, we need to look at the connections and communication between all the organs. We need to view the bigger picture of each of us as a whole person, and each person as part of a family, a local community and a global community. The age of the specialist is soon to be replaced by the age of the super-generalist.

Diseases and Conditions		Other Health Concerns
Alzheimer's disease Cardiovascular disease Cholesterol Depression Estrogen and cancer Insulin resistance		Aging Fad diets Mercury toxicity Our genes Pain Sleep Weight loss