Etymology (the study of where words come from) is fascinating. Did you know that “health” is derived from the Old English root word hāl that also meant “whole” and “holy?”

I’m learning from two of my health partners, Dr. Kelly Cobb and Tyler Lafleur, that a holistic approach to maintaining our health involves looking for the root cause of our symptoms, and not just treating the physical symptoms with a pill or quick fix that masks the underlying issues causing the “dis-ease.” Treating the body as if it was a bunch of parts to be repaired rather than treating the mind and body as a cohesive, connective whole will never result in optimal and sustainable health.

A holistic approach to maintaining our health involves looking for the root cause of our symptoms, and not just treating the physical symptoms with a pill or quick fix that masks the underlying issues causing the “dis-ease.” An opportunity to hear Dr. Kelly Cobb discuss “root cause”, or allopathic medicine may be found here.

People back in the 1300s and earlier understood the symbiotic connection between mind, body, and spirit and used one word, hāl, to convey a state of wholeness and sound health. I encourage you to look at your own “hāl.” Do you feel “whole?” Do you listen to your body when it signals that something is amiss? Or if you have emotional stressors, do you take the time to nurture yourself and your health? If not, maybe now is the time to begin!

Thank you for taking this journey and following Nourish Your Health at every age.