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The 4 Pillars of Health

Fundamental Actions That Can Lead to a Better Life

By Dr. Thomas O. Goode

Optimal health involves nurturing all facets of your life. This includes your physical, mental and spiritual health. These components are woven into the fiber of your being and your well-being. Neglecting one causes problems in another. Conditions such as heart disease can trigger depression. Mental malaise can lead to migraines and ulcers, and a lack of spirituality may create despondency and apathy that affects you on all levels.

The good news is that enriching one facet of your life improves another. There are certain fundamental actions that, when practiced with intent, lead to a better quality of life: physically, mentally and spiritually. I call them the 4 pillars of health.

Breathing defines life. It is your first and final living action. It is also your lifeline to good health. Oxygen plays a key role in optimum body performance. It aids in digestion, fights disease and ensures proper cell and organ function. It also keeps you mentally centered and contributes to maintaining consistent levels of serotonin and endorphins.

Unfortunately, many people lose the ability to breathe properly. Upon entering this world, your first breaths were deep and full. Your body was hungry for oxygen and innately knew how to get it. Over time, however, most people lose this response. They adopt a shallow breathing pattern that does not give the body its due. Without a strong oxygen flow, your body does not function at capacity.

Therefore, to improve your health, you must improve your breathing. It involves breathing deep into the abdomen, filling the diaphragm and expanding your lungs. It allows all parts of your body to receive the oxygen required for overall health and well being.

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