PEAK PERFORMANCEMonths to result

The Whole-Person Approach to Health

Heal the whole person

Problem it solves

Individuals struggling to achieve sustainable improvements in health and wellbeing because they focus on isolated interventions rather than integrated lifestyle systems.

Best for

Individuals seeking a comprehensive approach to health and wellness

Not ideal for

Those looking for a quick fix or a single solution to health problems

Overview

Why this framework exists

This framework emphasizes the importance of addressing the whole person - physical, emotional, and mental - in order to achieve optimal health and wellness. It involves a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle therapy, nutrition, and preventive medicine.

Core principles

3 total
  1. The whole person must be addressed in order to achieve optimal health
  2. Lifestyle therapy is a critical component of preventive medicine
  3. Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health and preventing disease

Steps

3 steps
  1. Assess Your Current State of Health
    Take a comprehensive assessment of your physical, emotional, and mental health in order to identify areas for improvement.
    Pro tipWork with a healthcare professional to get a thorough assessment
    WarningBe honest with yourself about your current state of health
  2. Develop a Personalized Plan
    Create a personalized plan that addresses your specific health needs and goals, including lifestyle therapy, nutrition, and stress management.
    Pro tipWork with a healthcare professional to develop a plan that is tailored to your needs
    WarningBe patient and persistent in implementing your plan
  3. Implement Lifestyle Changes
    Make lifestyle changes that support your overall health and wellness, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress.
    Pro tipStart small and build gradually
    WarningBe mindful of potential setbacks and have a plan in place to overcome them

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
Dr. Mark Hyman's work with patients

Dr. Hyman has worked with numerous patients who have achieved significant improvements in their health and wellness through a comprehensive approach that addresses the whole person

OutcomeImproved health and wellness outcomes
The Saddleback Church program

The Saddleback Church program, which Dr. Hyman was involved in, helped 15,000 people lose a quarter million pounds in a year through a comprehensive approach to health and wellness

OutcomeSignificant weight loss and improved health outcomes

Common mistakes

3 traps
Not addressing the whole person
Focusing solely on physical health or a single aspect of health can lead to incomplete or ineffective solutions
Not being patient and persistent
Implementing lifestyle changes and seeing results takes time and effort
Not working with a healthcare professional
A healthcare professional can provide guidance and support in developing a personalized plan

Origin story

How this framework came to be

This approach has been developed through the work of Dr. Mark Hyman and others in the field of functional medicine, who have recognized the limitations of conventional medicine in addressing chronic diseases.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · PODCAST
How to Improve Your Vitality & Heal From Disease | Dr. Mark Hyman
Andrew Huberman · 2025
Open source →