The Triangle of Health

One of the most useful pieces of information for people to understand is the “triangle of health”. This framework encompasses the physical, chemical and emotional aspects of life, which when in perfect balance with each other, constitutes optimal health and wellness.

Structural / Physical – involves our movements and activity including walking, working, playing sports and the gym. It includes our falls, knocks and accidents and perhaps most apparent to us here in the practice, it includes the alignment and efficiency of the spine and nervous system. It relates to the importance of maintaining integrity of body balance and physical functionality. Maintaining this physical health means not just avoiding freak accidents such as motor vehicle or sporting injuries. It also includes awareness about the subtle, and sometimes more sinister, repetitive strain injuries such as postural strain from work. These types of injuries could be caused by prolonged sitting at a desk, or repetitive motions in labour intensive jobs such as painting, tiling etc.

Think about how you are spending most of your time throughout the week and review the intensity of physical movement you apply to your body. Is it too little or too much?

Nutritional / Chemical – relates to the importance of fueling the body with correct nutrients and with protecting the body from toxic substances. Anything we put into our body has an effect on our chemical health. Think of our body as an engine, the fuel you feed it determines how well it will run.

Emotional / Mental – relates to the inseparable mind-body connection. We might have found the right balance of exercise and healthy eating but if we are amidst relationship / work stressors, then this can have a major effect on our mental health.

These are the three sides of the health triangle. If any one of them is not balanced, it can directly impact the remaining sides of the triangle. We may never quite find the perfect balance, but try to take some time to assess your current situation and ask yourself, am I living a balanced life?