The Human Body - recommendations for further study

[AnAncientAwakening]

I am shortly beginning an in-depth study into Herbology of the Western world. I will be studying with a master herbalist here in the Twin Cities area, whom herself is a student of a fairly interesting fellow by the name of Matthew Wood, whose understanding of plant healing is quite vast in scope.

I wish to couple this research with a formal study into the areas of human anatomy, physiology, bio-chemistry, and nutrition.

Does anyone here have recommendations for texts that cover these subjects in-depth? More specifically: I am seeking literature that gives both a broad overview of these subjects while at the same time delving deep into the study of the make-up of the physical human body, cellular structures, and optimal nutrition. Essentially, I am designing my own curriculum, with the end goal being that of becoming an herbalist and a healer, to teach others how to empower themselves and take their health into their own hands, and to then pass that knowledge along down the line.

I want to understand how nature heals the body, how we can take the gifts that the forest gives us and apply them to our own lives to restore balance and harmony within ourselves, towards others, between ourselves and the planet, and with the LMs.

Going a step further: Do their exist texts that examine the structures and make-up of the human body from a traditional Western perspective while at the same time implementing bio-energetic pathways into the conversation (I suppose, what TCM would call the meridians)? I want to understand the sources of bio-energy, Qi, the soul - where do they come from and how they can be applied to conventional Western concepts of the body, and how can we combine these together to assist people in healing their bodies, minds, souls? (I believe that the three are not mutually exclusive). I suppose that one might look towards the East for such literature, as Western science completely ignores such concepts. Can't find it if you're not looking for it.

Essentially, I'm turning my room into a university classroom for one Many, many books have been written on the subjects of human anatomy and physiology, and I could simply pick one up and read, but since I've gotten so many superb recommendations from folks here for previous requests, I thought that I would toss out the line and see if I get any bites

Ultimately: I want to have something of greater value to offer to the efforts being made here and elsewhere by pursuing a path as a healer with a deep understanding of the human body and soul, and their complexities and connections to nature and to the greater workings of the Universe.

I have the full collection of Larson's work, and I have a feeling that I am going to understand much more once I sit down with this and focus in on the material. That will come with time. But for now, I feel a pull towards studying herbology and its applications to the human form, both mental and physical, as well as the source and consciousness that connects it all together.

[deepfsh]

Sounds exciting, I wish you all the best!

- Herbal Magick: A Witch's Guide to Herbal Enchantments, Folklore and Divinations (Gerina Dunwich) (Daniel's recommendation)

- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration (Weston Price) (David Wilcock's recommendation)

- Eat Right 4 Your Type (Peter D'Adamo) (My experience - plus epigenetics, but also recommended by Bruce & Daniel, or at least it was on old AQ) You can also do some research about the following terms: nutrigenomics, epigenetics.

On another note, being/living healthy in a corporate environment, especially the one of the 21st Century ... khm ...

[AnAncientAwakening]

- Herbal Magick: A Witch's Guide to Herbal Enchantments, Folklore and Divinations (Gerina Dunwich) (Daniel's recommendation)

Having grown up right next door to Salem, MA, I was exposed to the work of Laurie Cabot. Her book Celebrate the Earth was interesting in that it gave insight into the history of the eight Pagan high holidays (within the context of the Wiccan system), and how modern religion has superimposed itself upon these beliefs. I have downloaded Dunwich's book, and have added it to my list.

- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration (Weston Price) (David Wilcock's recommendation)

Looks interesting. Another valuable cross-reference. Thank you.

- Eat Right 4 Your Type (Peter D'Adamo) (My experience - plus epigenetics, but also recommended by Bruce & Daniel, or at least it was on old AQ) You can also do some research about the following terms: nutrigenomics, epigenetics.

Nutrigenomics sounds very interesting. Any recommendations there?

Also: I had mixed feelings about Eat Right 4 Your Type. I did see that post to which you are referring on Antiquatis, and it made me think that I should give it a second look. However, from a personal perspective: I read the chapter devoted to my blood type, and apparently, I am supposed to be eating lots of red meat Problem is that five years ago, I ran into a health issue that made me rethink everything that I was eating. I quit meat entirely, choosing instead to move to a Pescetarian diet: Fish and shellfish, dark leafy greens, brown rice and grains, fresh fruits and veggies. Since that time, I have lost 25 pounds and have maintained the same healthy weight for five years running. The one issue that did arise as a result of this was that I became susceptible to head colds. A blood test a few years back revealed that I had low iron levels (not a surprise for one who chooses to forgo meat products). I did some research into the topic and discovered that one of the difficulties surrounding a mostly vegetarian diet is a lack of heme iron. But being a lover of shellfish, I discovered that mollusks, oysters and clams in particular, are extremely high in heme iron, more so than even organ meat in red meat-sourced foods.

All of this is to say that I found the research in that book to be a bit over the top. For instance: They cherry pick down to the point at which, depending upon your blood type, you should, for optimal health, be eating strawberries but not blackberries, watermelons but not bananas, and so forth. I'm just not certain that I buy into it. This book has also served as inspiration for the whole 'paleo' movement - those who tout a diet high in red meat products while at the same time stating that we should not be eating grains and bread. Bread I can understand; up to a certain point. Artisan bakers will tell you that the reason why gluten allergies have skyrocketed is because of the unnatural ways in which bread is being prepared. The yeast is not being given enough time to 'do its thing', so to speak, and the end result is that the body is not properly assimilating over processed (or in this case, under processed) foods. White anything is also terribly unhealthy for the body, as it has little nutritional value. Again, not certain that I agree with some of the research in the book. HOWEVER, I do believe that each body is different: Were I to move over to a diet high in red meat, I am quite certain that I would pack on the pounds, even with the exercise. However, there are those whom I know who abide by this, and remain as skinny as bean poles. There is obviously something going on there in regards to metabolism, but it also has to do with your body type, as well. So what works for one person does not work for another. They may be onto something there in regards to blood type influencing one's diet and health, but I think that they go a bit overboard with some of it.

One book that was recently recommended to me was The Okinawa Program. Appears to be interesting.

On another note, being/living healthy in a corporate environment, especially the one of the 21st Century ... khm ...

Now there's one that I struggle with every single day - how to equip myself with the proper physical and mental tools to wander out into a society that NEVER feels right, one that is so unbelievably out of balance with the natural workings of things. I've always found the idea of living on a lake with a canoe built from my own hands to be quite appealing, because it's what I grew up with. Sort of a future base of operations, a place to hang my hat in the time to come. Anyhow, just rambling now. Thanks for all of the suggestions. I've got an interesting road ahead...

[deepfsh]

All of this is to say that I found the research in that book to be a bit over the top. For instance: They cherry pick down to the point at which, depending upon your blood type, you should, for optimal health, be eating strawberries but not blackberries, watermelons but not bananas, and so forth. I'm just not certain that I buy into it.

Yeah, I don't like "cherry picking", but what I found out about me is that ...

Bread I can understand; up to a certain point. Artisan bakers will tell you that the reason why gluten allergies have skyrocketed is because of the unnatural ways in which bread is being prepared.

... according to BloodType and GenoType diets, flour is not good for me and, unfortunately, it is true.[1] Flour-based products really steal a lot of my energy and have quite a few side effects. So, to cut the long story short, unless you have a (grand)mother/wife/partner who has time to prepare you "healthy" meals every day, you have to take care of it yourself, and if you live in a corporate environment (e.g. a city) and "go to work" every day, you have to make some compromises. Life is too dynamic to be a Mr. Perfect Guy. Since I'm BT0, I mostly eat meat, eggs (for breakfast) and vegetables, occasionally fish, and I always cook on butter (animal fat) - I only put some olive oil on top after I prepare the meal.

The most important thing I find about nutrigenomics and epigenetics is the "FIGHT or FLIGHT" concept. When you try to flight, run away from your problems, not facing the issues at hand, you eat carbo-hydrates (flour-based products) and sugar, but when you try to sort things out and make it straight, you need to oil up your machinery with some (animal) fat or (fish - omega) oil and especially meat. That's why I think that if we all become vegetarians, vegans etc. we might be even bigger subservient slaves, without enough energy to "fight" in the Matrix.

[1] I'll have to say that I didn't read D'Adamo's books but found an "uncommitted" nutritionist who made me a so called "Nutrigenomical Profile", which does not abide entirely by D'Adamo's work, but goes further and takes into account the research made by other professionals, which in turn seems to be in accordance with the teachings of Hildegard von Bingen and those before the 20th Century.

You can use Google Translate and read her findings: Site Map, Epigenetical News. You can spend a whole month reading her research ... I especially recommend reading the "Epigenetical News" blog.