The Four Pillars
Experts widely consider exercise, good nutrition, relaxation and sleep crucial to healthy living. While these “four pillars” of good health help keep your body running, we consider four different pillars to optimise health.Within many cultures, there is a reference to the pillars of health. Within New Zealand, we use the model of health Te Whare Tapa Whā, represented by the four walls of a wharenui/meeting house, with each wall symbolising the elements necessary to sustain Hauora or health and wellbeing. These values or elements are:
taha tinana – physical health
taha hinengaro – mental health and emotions;
taha wairua – spiritual health, and
taha whānau – whānau as the epicentre of one’s well-being.
The above model ensures we consider all facets of someone’s health journey. Over the many years I have been practising, I have found a way to intertwine the above values with the concepts below to assist in people’s health and recovery journeys
The Body: Lymphatic System
Immunity and detoxification are important roles of the Lymphatic System. However, an important component of this system is its ability to create flow in our lives and the properties to “let go” of what is no longer serving us.
Mind: The Emotional Heart
Emotions have as much to do with the heart and body as they do with the brain. Therefore, the heart plays a particularly important role in our emotional experience.
Spirit: Heart Rate Variability
Connecting to spirit comes via the heart; HRV is your window to understanding the physiology of the soul. The level and quality of HRV are reflected in one’s spirit and bodily resources.
Whanau: Connection
A physically and mentally healthy whanau empowers the whanau to succeed and overcome issues with greater support. There is no feeling of isolation within a whanau