The 5 Dimensions of Health
One of the biggest problems I see in the world of healthcare, whether it involves standard allopathic care or “alternative” care, is that it is often one-dimensional, or at best, two-dimensional. Some systems or modalities focus strictly on the physical body. Others focus only on the mental, emotional, or spiritual aspects of well-being.
As humans, we are complex, multi-dimensional beings. I believe we all have 5 dimensions or layers that affect our well-being. An imbalance or weakness in one dimension or layer can cause an imbalance or weakness in any of the other layers.
The 5 dimensions of health are:
Physical
Mental
Emotional
Spiritual
Energetic
Any system of healthcare needs to address all 5 of these dimensions in order to be successful in helping people achieve true health. The very definition of health is “to be whole.” It only makes sense to address the whole person by addressing all five dimensions.
Over the next several blog posts, I will address each of the five dimensions of health. For now, let’s look at the most familiar layer - the physical body.
What Factors Have the Most Direct Impact On the Physical Body?
When the physical body is unwell, it is important to consider the factors that have the most direct impact on physical health. There are many additional factors related to the other four dimensions of health that may also be at play. Examining the following factors can reveal if someone has a solid foundation or not.
Nutrition - Is there a balanced intake of quality protein, carbohydrate, and fats? Is this person eating too much or too little? Is this person getting sufficient vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients, and fatty acids, and are they absorbing them well? Are there any deficiencies or imbalances due to diet or supplementation? Do they have healthy habits and boundaries around food? Do they sit down for meals at regular times, or do they graze, eat on the run, or eat for comfort?
Hydration - Dehydration can cause trouble with everything from tight muscles to headaches to blood pressure issues. It’s a big deal. A dehydrated body does not move well. A dehydrated body struggles to transport nutrients, detoxify, and eliminate waste. The body is 70+% water, so getting enough clean water and actually absorbing it is vital to a person’s health.
Sleep - Too many people overlook the importance of sleep. The body works to reset, repair, and cleanse itself during sleep. If the duration, quality, or timing of sleep is out of balance, the whole body can suffer. Low energy, brain fog, cravings, blood sugar and hormonal imbalances, mood issues, depressed immunity… Questions I ask include: Does this person have a regular sleep routine, going to bed and rising at the same time every day? Are they on their phone, computer, or watching TV the last couple of hours before bed? Do they journal or reflect on their day as a way to process things before going to sleep? Is it easy or difficult for them to fall asleep? Do they wake up multiple times during the night?
Rest - Rest is NOT the same thing as sleep. Rest is allowing yourself downtime without recreation, distractions, or busyness. Is there white space on the calendar? Does this person ever sit still for more than 5 minutes? Does this person engage in quiet reflection, meditation, or allow themself to simply BE?
Movement - The body NEEDS to move! You may have heard the saying that motion is lotion, and it’s absolutely true. Without regular physical movement, the fascia and muscles become stiff, tight, and “stuck together,” exerting tremendous pressure on the other systems within the body, and poor posture and structural imbalances begin to develop. I always look at whether a person is getting movement on a daily basis and whether they include walking, stretching, and exercises for balance and strength.
Sunlight - Light is a vital nutrient for life here on Earth. Plants need sunlight in order to survive, and so do we! Spending time in the natural sunlight early in the day helps set our circadian rhythms and regulate the pineal gland. Questions to ask include: Does this person get outside daily? Do they get outside early in the day? Do they spend most of their day indoors under artificial light?
Breathing Patterns - The final area I look at is a person’s breathing patterns. The way a person breathes impacts how much oxygen is available to their body and also impacts whether their nervous system is well-regulated or out of balance. Breathing patterns can also impact blood pressure, energy levels, immunity, mood, and emotions.
There is A LOT to pay attention to, just in this physical dimension of health. If you feel like you could use some help sorting it all out or developing better habits in a heart-centered way that addresses all 5 dimensions of health, contact me at Sage Wellness Center to set up an initial consultation today!
Call Sage Wellness Center at 406-560-0662 or click the button below to schedule an initial consultation today!