Understanding the Body Systems Hierarchy: How Prioritising Key Systems Supports Healing

Anatomical models illustrate the complexity of human body systems, highlighting the importance of understanding anatomy to promote effective healing and wellness.

In the 19th century, Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy, introduced a revolutionary idea that continues to influence holistic health today: the human body functions as an interconnected system, where every component works together to maintain balance and health. According to Still, disease often arises not from isolated issues but from disruptions across multiple systems, suggesting that effective treatment must consider the body as a whole rather than addressing symptoms alone (Project Gutenberg, 2023; AT Still University, 2023). This concept aligns with the Body Systems Hierarchy, an approach popularised by Dr. Perry Nickelston, which prioritises treatment of higher-order systems to achieve more effective and long-lasting outcomes.

What is the Body Systems Hierarchy?

The Body Systems Hierarchy suggests that the body prioritises certain systems over others when distributing energy, particularly under stress. This hierarchy starts with essential systems like the Nervous System and Lymphatic System and ends with Soft Tissue. Here’s the hierarchy as proposed by Nickelston:

1. Nervous System  

2. Lymphatic System  

3. Digestive System  

4. Vascular System  

5. Organs  

6. Nerves  

7. Endocrine System  

8. Musculoskeletal System  

9. Soft Tissue

According to this model, if there’s an issue in a lower-priority system like the musculoskeletal or soft tissue systems, it may actually stem from an imbalance in a higher-priority system, such as the lymphatic or nervous systems (Stop Chasing Pain, 2023). This prioritisation helps practitioners address the root cause of pain or dysfunction rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

Linking the Body Systems Hierarchy with Osteopathic Principles:

Still’s philosophy resonates closely with the Body Systems Hierarchy, as both approaches view health as an outcome of balanced, well-functioning systems working in harmony. Osteopathic principles emphasise the “self-healing” capacity of the body, which requires that all systems—especially those with high physiological priority like the nervous and lymphatic systems—are functioning optimally. Still believed that restoring balance across these interconnected systems supports the body’s natural healing process, echoing the idea that treating symptoms alone often fails to address the underlying issues (Internet Archive, 1902; AT Still University, 2023).

A practitioner explains the importance of spinal health, using a model to illustrate how prioritizing body systems can aid in healing.

 How Prioritising Systems Supports Healing:

1. Nervous and Lymphatic Systems: As the top two systems in Nickelston’s hierarchy, the nervous and lymphatic systems are crucial for maintaining overall health. The nervous system coordinates responses and adjustments throughout the body, while the lymphatic system manages detoxification and immune support. Dysfunction in these systems can lead to downstream issues, often affecting lower-priority systems like muscles and joints. For example, poor lymphatic drainage can lead to toxin buildup, triggering inflammation and pain in the musculoskeletal system (Medical News Today, 2023; Dr. Lam Coaching, 2023).

2. Digestive and Vascular Systems: These systems are vital for nutrient absorption and circulation, supporting the body’s overall resilience. When these systems are compromised, nutrient delivery to tissues is affected, impacting muscle function, joint health, and soft tissue recovery. Therefore, addressing digestive health and improving vascular function can indirectly alleviate symptoms in the musculoskeletal system.

3. Lower-Order Systems: Systems such as the musculoskeletal and soft tissues are typically where pain is felt, but they are lower in the hierarchy. Instead of solely treating these areas, addressing the function and balance of higher-priority systems often results in more sustainable improvements, as observed in holistic health practices and osteopathic care. This systemic view helps ensure that treatment is both preventive and therapeutic, enhancing overall resilience rather than just symptom relief (Think Flow Grow, 2023; Funktional Nutrition, 2023).

 A Holistic Path Forward:

The Body Systems Hierarchy, inspired by osteopathic principles, provides a roadmap for addressing health issues in a layered, systemic way. Instead of viewing the body as a series of isolated parts, it emphasises treating the body as an integrated whole. By supporting high-priority systems like the nervous and lymphatic systems, practitioners can promote healing and minimise recurrent pain, leading to more profound and long-lasting health outcomes.

For those experiencing chronic pain or recurring injuries, this approach underscores the importance of seeking treatments that prioritise higher-order systems. By ensuring that each layer of the hierarchy functions optimally, practitioners can often address the root cause of symptoms and restore the body’s natural balance.

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Reference List:

AT Still University, 2023. About Dr. Andrew Taylor Still and Osteopathic Principles. Available at: <https://www.atsu.edu> [Accessed 21 October 2024].

Internet Archive, 1902. The Philosophy and Mechanical Principles of Osteopathy. Available at: <https://archive.org/details/philosophymechan00stil> [Accessed 21 October 2024].

Medical News Today, 2023. The Glymphatic System and its Role in Brain Health. Available at: <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/glymphatic-system> [Accessed 21 October 2024].

Dr. Lam Coaching, 2023. Lymphatic System Health and Detoxification. Available at: <https://www.drlamcoaching.com> [Accessed 21 October 2024].

Project Gutenberg, 2023. Philosophy of Osteopathy by Andrew Taylor Still. Available at: <https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25864> [Accessed 21 October 2024].

Stop Chasing Pain, 2023. The Body Systems Hierarchy by Dr. Perry Nickelston. Available at: <https://www.stopchasingpain.com> [Accessed 21 October 2024].

Think Flow Grow, 2023. Understanding the Importance of the Lymphatic System. Available at: <https://www.thinkflowgrow.com> [Accessed 21 October 2024].

Funktional Nutrition, 2023. Detoxification and the Role of the Lymphatic System. Available at: <https://www.funktionalnutrition.com> [Accessed 21 October 2024].