Physioholistics is an integrated theoretical model and practical framework aimed at achieving psychological, physiological, spiritual and ecological balance in everyday life. Through a diverse scientific foundation, the model aims to cover both objective and subjective facets of human life – integrating not only biological, psychological and experiential dimensions, but also historical, philosophical and artistic lenses to decipher these phenomena and inform theory and practice. 

The intellectual starting point is the analysis of some of the fundamental facets of human activity:

Sleep: a state of rest characterized by decrease in consciousness and slowing of physical functions. Despite its essential role in maintaining cognitive functions, emotional health, and overall well-being, the process of sleep and its impact on health is often overlooked. More broadly, sleep can be viewed as a universally familiar yet mysterious state that offers opportunities for creativity, imagination, symbolism and experiments in perception and subjectivity. The sleeping figure remains an endlessly compelling subject across time and cultures and is the focus of investigation in neuroscience for trying to understand the nature of dreams.

Motion: from molecular dynamics to the flow of the universe – the department’s practical focus is on the movement of the human body, physical action and physiology. In this context Motion is understood as the conscious execution of so-called “New Movement”. Under this term we include the spectrum of “re-experiencing” a movement execution according to individual capability and access. In particular, methods that combine movement with a high degree of body awareness (e.g., yoga; body arts such as dancing, gymnastics, or martial arts; mindful or meditative walking) are the focus of investigation.

Nutrition: the most common natural biochemical modulator of our lives, as every living thing permanently ingests, digests, and metabolizes an abundance of chemical compounds. The department pursues the study and dissemination of sustainable biochemical balance at all levels directly affecting humanity – from the nutrition of every living individual to the holistic ecosystem of the Earth. Our understanding of nutrition also includes mental nutrition in the form of conscious regeneration and stillness.

Communication: the process of exchanging information through a common system of signs, symbols, or behavior. From the intricate chemical signals exchanged between cells to the complex vocalizations of many animal species, for humans, communication is key to expressing thoughts and feelings, understanding behavior and building relationships. It is also a subject of ongoing philosophical debate regarding the nature of language, meaning, and truth. In art and history, communication takes on myriad forms, from ancient cave paintings to modern digital media, reflecting the evolving ways in which humans express themselves and connect with others. It is also at the core of the psychotherapeutic approach in mental healthcare. Communication can also be looked at through the mathematical framework of information theory, which provides the core concepts and tools for understanding and improving communications systems.

Contemplation: the process of willful active thought, from mathematical speculation to phantastical imagination, directed both at oneself and outward. It includes the deliberate focus and reflection upon thoughts, beliefs, values, emotions, and experiences in order to deepen self-understanding, gain wisdom, and align actions with principles. This concept is supplemented by a core of meditative and mindfulness practices, together with aspects such as journaling and creative activities to cultivate presence, introspection and a deeper understanding of our surroundings. 

These and many more elements come together and interplay in the mind-body continuum whilst constantly interacting with and being shaped by environmental factors. Ultimately this complex dynamic relationship accounts for every single day of conscious and unconscious experience. 

To these core elements, one should be added that plays a crucial role in current daily life: technology.  As technology is increasingly interwoven into modern life, examining its impacts on psychological, social, and ecological well-being is important. This includes both, potential benefits of leveraging technology for things like remote health services, nature exposure, and mindfulness practices, as well as cautions around issues like internet addiction, digital pollution and reduced in-person community engagement. Developing and maintaining a balanced, thoughtful relationship with technology is of crucial importance in defining well-being.

By looking at these aspects both individually and in their intersections, we aim at providing elements that can be integrated into everyday life to enable changes to achieve and improve different aspects of well-being.

In Simpler Terms:

Physioholistics is about finding balance in everyday life – mentally, physically, spiritually, and environmentally. We use a mix of science, history, art, and philosophy to understand human experiences.

We dive into fundamental parts of life:

Sleep: It’s vital for thinking and feeling good, even if it seems mysterious. We study its effects on our minds and bodies.

Motion: We focus on how our bodies move, from everyday actions to mindful movements like yoga or dance.

Nutrition: Food affects us in big ways. We explore how what we eat impacts our health and the planet.

Communication: It’s how we share info and feelings. We look at it through science, art, and even therapy.

Contemplation: Thinking deeply about ourselves and the world helps us grow. We use meditation and creativity for this.

In today’s world, technology‘s a big part too. We study how it affects our minds, our connections, and our planet – both the good and not-so-good sides. Our goal is to offer ideas that people can use in daily life to feel better in different ways.

All these things mix together in our lives, influenced by what’s around us.