So... I've fallen off the Holistic Human Physiology train. For weeks I've been attempting to complete the Movin' and Groovin' Badge but every time I open my Anatomy and Physiology book I keep getting hit by a feeling of "gawd, this is SO boring. This is NOT how I want to learn about myself and the world..." Bone growth and remodeling in particular has been a tough subject to work through. Osteoclasts, trabeculae, epiphyseal.... my brain can't cut through the science jargon to latch onto anything earthy or real. UGHHH. ROARRRR. It's also summer and the wild flowers out the window are way more interesting. The Anatomy and Physiology book feels like a crime against all living things real and glorious. The language and terminology does not do justice to the beauty and sensuality of the living world... I want soul. I want vitality. I'm so sick of dwelling on the functionality of life and the grip of science and exactitude. I want to be swept away and arrested by the richness that surrounds me. Can't we talk about bones in a way that celebrates and acknowledges their sacredness and beauty? Do we have to couch everything in science terminology? When we talk about bones, can we do it with soul? Modern medicine (and modern Anatomy and Physiology books GRRRRrrrr) abstract the body into chemistries and anatomies so that the sensual, soul-filled, expressive body is hidden behind graphs, charts, numbers, structural diagrams, and boring language. Is it possible to take a medical approach that is also in tune with art, one that is interested in the symbolic and poetic suggestiveness of an organ or a bone? We give intelligence and power to the brain and then reduce the bone to a tissue. The bone has its own intelligence, style and special force. The bone has soul, metaphoric richness AND its own private life. Bones aren't static or stable. They're imaginative and hungry beings of our body and every day in conjunction with the rest of our delicious, sensual creature bodies our dear bones build (with osteoblasts) or chew madly (with osteoclasts) like a squirrel to digest and break-down bone based on the body's needs and desires. Bones are magical - made of a matrix of minerals (mainly calcium) and collagen and they act as a holding nest for the rest of the body's mineral needs and desires. Our body pulls calcium from our bones to replenish the blood if calcium levels get low. As herbalists and body bone lovers we lovingly consider strengthening bone health to provide the nutrients and conditions and soulspace that encourage bone building and decrease the factors that encourage bone loss. Many factors affect bone health, but there are three crucial components that matter most and are needed together: -weight bearing exercise -calcium -vitamin D As one ages, the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis increases dramatically. Women in particular, without estrogen during the post-menopausal years, lose protection as bones demineralize and become porous, increasing the risk of bone issues. It's never too late, in youth or old age, to slow down or reverse bone loss or celebrate with delicious herbal remedies these magical, loving, desire-filled, intelligent, sensual bony parts of our world. I could describe more about bone formation and remodeling but I'm not feeling inspired. I don't want to retreat into language that regards the body with textbook poverty of imagination. I think this is as deep as I want to go about osteoblasts depositing new bone and osteoclasts increasing bone diameter. Phew. Cats out of the bag. Thanks for reading through my science angst.
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AuthorThe adventures, studies, and musings of a student at the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism.
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