LIVING THE PRINCIPLES

Let understanding
become a daily practice.

You do not need nine new habits. Choose one meaningful act of tending and let the principles help you understand why it matters.

THE PRINCIPLES IN ACTION

One situation. Several ways to see it.

Choose an everyday story, then explore it through observation, connection and a practical next step.

ILLUSTRATIVE STORY · 1 OF 3

When demands crowd out ordinary care

Alex is juggling work, caring responsibilities and household tasks. Meals are rushed, breaks disappear and the advice to “do more for your health” feels like another demand.

STEP 1 OF 3

Begin with the whole situation

Notice what the week requires before prescribing a better routine. Which responsibilities are fixed? Where is there choice? What support is missing?

Consider this

What would you want to understand about Alex’s circumstances before suggesting a change?

PRINCIPLES AT WORK

5 · Treat the Whole Person 1 · The Healing Power of Nature 3 · First, Do No Harm

DOMAINS TO EXPLORE

Sociological Environmental Psychological

These fictional teaching examples apply the supplied principles. They are not patient stories, clinical outcomes or individual treatment plans.

YOUR OWN DAILY RHYTHM

Bring the learning into your day

Morning

Notice before you change.

Take a moment to notice how you are arriving into the day. Consider your available energy, immediate needs and responsibilities. Choose a manageable intention rather than an ideal routine.

Principle 1 Principle 5 Principle 9

During the day

Make one nourishing choice.

Let one ordinary activity become an act of tending: an unhurried meal, movement within your capacity, a supportive conversation or a moment with the living world.

Principle 4 Principle 7 Principle 8

Evening

Reflect without judgement.

What supported you? What felt difficult? Consider one gentle adjustment for tomorrow. Observation is useful even when the day did not go to plan.

Principle 2 Principle 3 Principle 6

A QUESTION TO CARRY WITH YOU

What is the smallest supportive change that feels possible in my life as it is today?

HOW CARE IS CHOSEN

Understanding the Therapeutic Order

A graduated framework for considering care, adapted from the guide’s seven levels.

Establish the foundations for healthExplore nourishment, rest, movement, relationships and living conditions.
Support the body’s self-regulating processesConsider appropriate practices that support recovery and regulation.
Support weakened or affected systemsUse individual assessment to identify where targeted support is needed.
Address structural integrityConsider appropriate physical assessment and care for function and movement.
Use targeted natural substances when appropriateAssess evidence, quality, contraindications and medicine interactions.
Use pharmaceutical care when indicatedWork with the appropriate prescribing clinician.
Use higher-force interventions when necessarySpecialist, surgical or urgent care may be the appropriate first response.

Responsive care, not a compulsory ladderUrgent or serious conditions may require immediate medical treatment at any point. Foundations and clinical treatment can work alongside one another; the levels do not require delaying indicated care.

What might a wholistic consultation involve?

An exploration of your main concerns, health history, current medicines and supplements, food, sleep, activity, stress, relationships and circumstances. Assessment and any proposed testing should have a clear purpose. A shared plan should explain the options, realistic goals, costs and arrangements for review or referral.

How do I choose where to begin?

Begin with a priority that matters to you and fits your capacity. Ask what support would make it achievable. If a symptom is new, persistent, severe or worsening, start with appropriate clinical assessment rather than treating the exercise as a diagnosis.