We Are Not at War with Microbes

Jul 01, 2021

By IBA Office

Since we were infants, most of us in the Western world were warned about the dangers of "germs"--things that would make us sick. We knew that our colds and cases of flu were caused by invaders. We sometimes got vaccinated to protect against terrifying viruses. Some of us grew up with antibacterial wipes and other products to purge our homes from invisible but deadly bugs. We learned in school or films about the plague in the Middle Ages or other blights that significantly reduced the human population. And today, we find ourselves facing a new "attacker" in the form of the novel coronavirus and new vaccine "solutions."

But the past decade has also been rich with research into the human microbiome and findings that were starting to usher in a new paradigm of symbiosis between humans and microbes where the bugs, in fact, are not the bad guys. We have been learning that the human body is actually a superorganism or complex ecosystem of human cells living in a symbiotic relationship with countless other microorganisms, collectively called the human microbiome.

Equipped with this information, the understanding of the immune system and a mentality of "us" versus "them" (the microbes) was starting to change. However, when a new apparently threatening virus showed up on the scene, we quickly reverted to fear-based ideas. We immediately reminded ourselves that it is essential to pit ourselves against the microbes--to be at war--if we wish to stay alive.

Given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it is more timely than ever to reassess once again the amazing organism we call the human body. Research has shown us that the human body contains perhaps close to 100 trillion microbial cells, which means our bodies are more microbe than they are human. And the Human Microbiome Project findings of 2012 showed us that an overwhelming majority of the bugs in our bodies and around us are there to help us and that harm only occurs when there are other imbalances within the body.

From this standpoint, we are happy to announce that we have revived the original BodyEcology course from 2014 co-taught by its developers Dr. John Veltheim and Dr. Laura Stuve, on PaRama Campus. The course was filmed in Dr. John Veltheim's homeland of Australia, so the enthusiasm and dynamism of John and all the participants is palpable. 

Course registration is now open, but we also have a BodyEcology Introduction course on PaRama Campus. This will provide a sneak peek into the full-length course. So whether you are new to BodyEcology or thinking of retaking (monitoring) the course, we hope you can join us soon for a fascinating journey down the microscope.


Register for free BodyEcology Introduction


The Introduction will tell you all about the course and what you will receive in the full-length course (174-page digital manual, course charts, 24 hours of video lecture, and more). You will need to sign up for a free PaRama Campus account to take the course. 

"[After BodyEcology], I have a whole new relationship with myself. There is also a new 'sassiness' that has been injected into my awareness. I hope my patients are ready!"

-- J.M., Australia

Print this Article | Facebook | Twitter

« Back to all news

 
Home Learn More Practitioners Courses Membership Testimonials
Who We Are BodyTalk Find a Practitioner Find a Course Join Today Videos
Get the Newsletter Access Become a Practitioner Founder's Courses Membership at a Glance Foundation
Contact Us Breakthrough Practitioner Levels Beginner's Courses Membership Levels Store
FAQ Mindscape BodyTalk as a Career View All Instructors Membership Prices Media Kit
Privacy Policy News Invest in Yourself Course Listing




Copyright © 2005 - 2024 International BodyTalk Association (IBA) | Legal