03/18/2023
On Gwyneth…
The truth is, you kinda can judge a book by its cover. The old adages are always true and not true.
In the functional world, we are taught to look at the body for clues. Interviews have limitations. Humans are peculiar. We’re not good at memory retrieval; though we tend to believe the contrary. Interpretation of interoception is influenced by language limitations and self-limiting beliefs. Non-existent education is a prerequisite to the lost art of intuition.
So we also take inventory of what we see. An observational scan helps uncover other parts of the story. When interested in solving musculoskeletal pain, I start from the feet and work my way up, noting which way bones are turned and their positions relative to each other and muscular balance.
When interested in health issues, I take it further—making note of skin quality and temperature, hair density and luster, signs of inflammation and fatigue around the eyes. I look for hints of guarding in the presentation of posture.
We talk about it. We have to. It matters to understanding where the person is now, and what to try to get them where they want to go.
There is something to be said about people who choose to offer their lives up to publicly for money. Like for me, the first q was how have you spent this much cash and come up with this s**t? But I can understand an argument for avoiding commenting on a stranger’s appearance regardless. I just told an athlete I need to see him in person before confirming what I think I’m seeing on insta. You don’t get the whole truth through the screen.
This mentality has gone too far though. I hope that you are not avoiding these honest conversations with your people. Maybe you don’t know the specifics, but you surely can discern a general lack of robustness when you see it. And you owe it to each other to call it out with care. Be brave. Eating disorders - whether too much or too little food is focused - are everywhere today. They are stealing our metabolic health and happiness. None of us are above questioning—even experts. And telling your loved ones about themselves should not be off limits. If not us, who? Worst best friends only, please🤙🏻