The Seven Pillars of Vital Living: A Holistic Approach to Health

“Whether it's tweaking your diet or altering your sleep habits, each change brings you closer to a more vital life." - Dr. Ryan Hewkin

Today, I'm excited to dive into what Abbie and I have termed the "Seven Pillars of Vital Living." This concept didn't spring up overnight but evolved from our continuous quest to understand what truly makes us healthy—beyond just treating symptoms.

The Fallacy of Symptom Chasing
In the realm of modern healthcare, too much emphasis is placed on symptoms. This approach, often termed pathophysiology, focuses narrowly on the what without understanding the why. As chiropractors, we pivot from pathogenesis to what's called salutogenesis—the science of what makes us healthy.

Introducing the Seven Pillars
Through both personal insights and clinical experiences, Abbie and I have identified seven key areas that are crucial for achieving optimal health. These aren't exhaustive, and indeed, more may exist, but here are the essentials:

1. Adaptability

Being the apex of creation, humans are incredibly adaptive. Understanding and enhancing how we adjust to physical, emotional, and chemical stress is fundamental. Techniques like environmental hormesis, which include adapting to varying temperatures, can significantly boost our resilience.

2. Nutrition

What we consume forms the cornerstone of our health. Emphasizing a diet rich in clean, preferably grass-fed meats and possibly integrating less inflammatory food sources plays a critical role in maintaining our health.

3. Detoxification

Regular detoxification helps remove unwanted toxins from our bodies, ensuring that new, beneficial nutrients have room to nourish us. Simple practices like ensuring proper hydration and periodic detox regimens can support this process.

4. Hydration

Drinking clean, filtered water is non-negotiable for effective bodily functions. The quality of water significantly impacts our overall health, making a strong case for investing in good water filtration systems.

5. Rest

Quality rest is elusive but essential. Modern conveniences like blue light from screens can disrupt our natural sleep cycles, so finding ways to enhance sleep through routine and environment is crucial.

6. Mindfulness

Being aware of the present and understanding our bodies' needs can transform our health. Mindfulness extends beyond meditation; it involves a conscious lifestyle that continuously respects and responds to our body’s signals.

7. Movement

Regular physical activity, whether it’s structured exercise or engaging chores, supports every aspect of our health. It helps not just physically but also enhances mental well-being.

Applying the Pillars
Each pillar interlinks with the others, offering a comprehensive framework for assessing and improving our health. Whether it’s tweaking your diet or altering your sleep habits, each change brings you closer to a more vital life.

As we continue to explore these pillars in future posts, we encourage you to reflect on which areas you feel confident in and which might need more attention. Remember, health is a journey, not a destination. We're here to guide you through each step, helping you live your healthiest life possible.