Three Mind–Body Levels

We can think of the human mind–body as comprising three interdependent levels: biochemical, structural and psycho-social . These levels provide a framework for thinking about aspects of our health. They are interrelated, so an impact on one level affects the others. The holistic nature of complementary medicines aims to encompass all three levels, although clearly some types of therapy are directed at a particular level: herbal medicines and nutritional supplements are more biochemical in their effect than structural therapies, such as chiropractic and massage, while cognitive behavioural therapy and other talking therapies act mainly on the psycho-social level.

In regulating itself, the body draws on all three levels: the biochemical level that fuels body processes; the structural level that supports the organs and body systems; and the psycho-social level that governs thoughts, desires, actions and emotions. For example, after an exhausting and stressful day, a good night’s sleep allows the biochemical furnace to cool down, the body’s structures to rest and relax, and the mind to assimilate the day’s events. If challenges become intense, unrelenting or too frequent, the body and mind’s extraordinary capacity to adapt can be overwhelmed. Coping relies on energy and order, but if a person’s resources are depleted then the ability to maintain balance is undermined. Defence and repair systems may begin to fail if the integrity of cell chemistry, body structures and mind are threatened.

The underlying factors upsetting self-regulation can be obvious or subtle, intense or diffuse, short-lived or prolonged. They can include a short-term, severe injury, for example from a car accident, a bereavement triggering depression, a spell of rushed working lunches resulting in bouts of indigestion, or flu caught from exposure to an infected person. In their own important ways, the resulting ill-effects tell us something vital about how well we are adapting to the demands placed on us; they are a message about things we need to attend to, and changes that we might have to make.

Challenges affect all three levels – psycho-social, structural and biochemical – and, since they are entwined, when there is a problem in one, it can affect how the other two work. For example, a biochemical disorder such as a nutritional deficiency or food sensitivity may have psychological consequences, such as depression. Loneliness, depression, bereavement and inner conflicts can undermine immune system defences, while a structural injury might cause pain that then undermines well-being and relationships.

The implications are obvious: give your body what it needs to work well and avoid the things that harm it. This may include taking up yoga, meditation or dance, giving up smoking, seeing friends or making dietary changes. Do whatever you need to do to nourish yourself intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.