The Integrated Body

Do we think of the body and mind as “together” or “separate”?

By now, we have come a long way in our understanding of us as an integral whole. Indeed, there are many more of us seeking a more holistic approach to maintaining and improving our health. Less simplistic solutions and pill-popping, more recognizing the deeper and subtler connnections that exist.

Sounds complicated - or fascinating - what do you think?

Much of the split between mind and body can be attributed to Descartes, a seventeenth-century French philosopher and mathematician who famously said “I think, therefore I am”. His views shaped that separation - some things influence the physical, some the mental, we came to believe, as we delved deeper into how everything works, at least in the West. You come to the surgeon for surgery, and the psychotherapist for the emotional. No overlap.

Indeed, in many cultures - such as the old Soviet Union, where I grew up - this was taken to the extreme: “in a healthy body lives a healthy mind”, setting a strict hierarchy of priorities.

Then, of course, during the Great War we started seeing the awful impact of PTSD on the war veterans, and things started to shift.

Whilst we think we are generally over this divide now, I would argue that we are not fully there, not by a long shot. Here are some examples:

• We treat stress as a purely mental issue, and whilst recognizing how it might disrupt sleep and wear on the body, we can still overlook how it also fuels inflammation

• We approach chronic pain as a mechanical glitch, ignoring the emotional burdens that can sustain it

• We stigmatize mental health struggles as personal failings instead of recognizing their biological and social roots

• We prize productivity in life and work while sidelining rest, breath, and nervous system regulation

• We pursue diets and fitness routines focused on appearance rather than nurturing emotional well-being, resilience, and connection.

Does this resonate? Do we recognize things we might fail to notice, prioritize, or be aware of?

In the integrated mind-body whole, absolutely everything that we do, say, experience, feel, is shaped by the processing of inputs, and the resulting outputs, from our amazing human brain.

It is as simple - and as complex and glorious as that.

The brain determines how we move, stand, balance, think, feel, respond. It takes all the inputs and responds in three ways:

- through conscious thought

- through changes of hormonal activity, or

- through muscle activity.

I often find that new clients are surprised when I answer their queries as to why their posture is the way it is. People can initially be looking for a simple answer, such as “strengthen your glutes or abdominal wall, and you will be straighter and more agile”.

Oftentimes, this is not as simple as that - so I clarify that the answer is “the brain dictates why you stand or move in this way, so we have to find out the answers there”.

And it can be that our posture is dictated by long term ongoing emotional stress or hormonal shifts causing an impact to muscle activity. This determines the starting point.

Core exercises is not everyone’s starting point. Sure, they help a lot - just not everyone. And we can figure it all out, as tools exist to do just that.

This is why I am integrating mind-body work into my work practice with helping clients achieve their goals, and everyone’s starting point is unique.

After all, who wants to be a carbon copy of someone else?

To find out more, send me a message and we can chat to start mapping your own way forwards. I am based in Corfe Mullen, Dorset, and work extensively online as well as in-person.

Kaye Woodgate at Move Beyond. Mind-body therapist in Corfe Mullen, Dorset

To your unique journey, and to your health in 2026 and beyond,

Kaye

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