Your Body Communicates with You – It’s Time to Listen

Eric Marquette

So, you know, Tanya, people often rely on lab tests or imaging to figure out what's wrong with their health. But, uh, what struck me is how much our bodies are already saying before we even book an appointment, right?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Absolutely, Eric. Before we, you know, diagnose or confirm anything medically, the body is already sending us signals. These can be as subtle as changes in energy levels or digestion, or as pronounced as pain or inflammation. It's really quite amazing.

Eric Marquette

And I imagine most people dismiss those signals—or maybe they don't even realize they're there. Like they’re so caught up in daily life that whispers from their body just get... drowned out.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Oh, that happens all the time. Often, the culture of being "busy" leads us to ignore these whispers until they become full-blown symptoms. But those early signals are like the body's way of giving us a heads-up. It's--it's a built-in diagnostic tool. Sort of like a check engine light.

Eric Marquette

A check engine light. I like that analogy. So, you're saying if we tuned into these signs earlier, we could, what? Avoid bigger health issues down the line?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Precisely. Early awareness can mean the difference between prevention and intervention. Say, for example, you consistently feel fatigued in the afternoons. That could indicate everything from blood sugar fluctuations to dehydration, or even how well you're sleeping. By paying attention to those patterns and addressing them, you may keep them from developing into chronic conditions.

Eric Marquette

Huh. It's like your body is practically begging to be listened to, isn't it? But, uh, where do people even start with that? Like... it feels kinda overwhelming.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

It can feel that way at first. But, the simplest starting point is mindfulness—just taking a moment to notice. How are you feeling when you wake up versus midday? Is there stiffness in certain areas? Do you feel different after certain meals? Treat those observations as data points to understand what your body needs.

Eric Marquette

Right, like—like being your own detective. Noticing the patterns and connecting the dots.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Yes! It's empowering because, in many ways, you know, you already have the tools you need to understand your body. It starts from listening and trusting that your body is communicating for a reason.

Eric Marquette

And I think it’s fascinating how much we, uh, take for granted—even the small stuff that seems inconsequential. I mean, the body doesn't really operate randomly, does it?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Not at all. The body is incredibly intelligent. Every signal, no matter how small, has a function or a message embedded in it. Ignoring those signals is where real trouble starts. It's about learning to interpret what your body is saying.

Eric Marquette

And I’m guessing there’s a lot more to hear when we really lean into this idea of listening closely, right?

Eric Marquette

So, Tanya, after what we were saying earlier about the body’s signals—like fatigue or pain—it gets me thinking. Do you think there’s more to these messages than just physical health? Like, could they also tie into something deeper, maybe emotional or even psychological?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Absolutely, Eric. Holistic medicine often refers to the concept that emotions are deeply tied to physical health. Annette Noontil, for example, popularized the idea that our emotions manifest as symptoms in the body. And while it might sound a bit abstract, there’s growing evidence supporting the mind-body connection.

Eric Marquette

Wait, you mean... like certain emotions could actually cause physical symptoms? That’s, uh, wild.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Yes! For instance, recurring tightness in your shoulders could be linked to, say, carrying emotional stress. Or digestive issues might reflect how well someone processes, um, emotional experiences. It's a fascinating reflection of how interconnected we are.

Eric Marquette

Huh. So the body is kinda like this mirror for what we’re feeling emotionally... even if we don't realize it in the moment.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly. Some practitioners like to call it *the barometer of the soul*—what's happening emotionally often parallels what’s showing up physically. It’s like the body is giving us an opportunity to address unresolved feelings or deeper issues.

Eric Marquette

That... that’s fascinating. But how do people even start figuring this out? I mean, not every headache is, uh, emotional right?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Right, not every symptom has a direct emotional cause. However, persistent patterns often do. The key is in developing awareness. Take headaches, for example—if they’re consistent and happen in high-stress situations, it might point to unacknowledged tension or anxiety rather than purely physical reasons. It's a practice of curiosity and reflection.

Eric Marquette

So you’re saying the body’s not just random—it’s asking us to notice something?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly, Eric. The body doesn’t operate on randomness. Each signal serves as a piece of a greater puzzle, pointing toward balance or imbalance. A series of sleepless nights or recurring stomach pain is practically begging us to examine what's happening emotionally—or even spiritually—beneath the surface.

Eric Marquette

And, I guess, learning to interpret these signs can change... everything. Like, how we approach health—maybe even prevent some of that chronic stuff we were talking about earlier.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly. It’s empowering. When you recognize that your body holds a roadmap, it changes how you navigate your well-being. But it requires us to peel back the layers and get curious about the meaning behind physical symptoms.

Eric Marquette

And I’m guessing some of this ties back to how energy moves through the body, right?

Eric Marquette

Tanya, that bit you mentioned at the end about energy moving through the body—it’s got me thinking. How does that actually work? Like, what does it mean for energy flow to connect with how we feel emotionally or even physically?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

So, Eric. When we talk about energetic frequency, we're referring to the idea that everything in the universe, including our bodies, is made up of vibrating energy. And this—this vibration is what affects how cells communicate, how organs function, and even how we feel on a day-to-day basis.

Eric Marquette

So it’s not just a "woo-woo" concept then? This idea has, like, roots in actual science or medicine?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Oh, absolutely. Many traditional systems of medicine like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda are built on this principle. They emphasize the flow of energy in the body—think of it as Qi in Chinese medicine or Prana in Ayurveda. When that flow is disrupted or blocked, it can lead to imbalances, which we often recognize as illness or discomfort.

Eric Marquette

Huh. So it’s like our energy patterns—or vibrations—are kinda like a... foundation for health or something?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly, Eric. The body's energy field is constantly interacting with the environment, food, emotions, and even thoughts. These interactions affect how smoothly our energy flows. If that flow becomes restricted or stagnant, it can disrupt the body’s natural balance, creating the conditions where, you know, diseases might emerge. It’s why traditions like acupuncture or Reiki aim to restore that flow to promote healing.

Eric Marquette

Okay, okay—so this "flow" is the key here. But what kind of energy are we even talking about? I mean, how do you even measure or feel something like this?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

That’s one of the exciting things about exploring this area. While it might sound intangible, modern tools like bioenergetic testing or heart rate variability measures are starting to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary medicine. They’re helping us see how energy impacts the—uh—the functional systems within the body. But you don’t always need high-tech tools to notice this. Sometimes, just paying attention to when you feel drained or energized can give you clues about your energy flow.

Eric Marquette

Wait, so, like, this could explain those days when you feel totally wiped for no apparent reason?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly. It’s often tied to your body's energy alignment—or misalignment. Things like chronic stress or toxins in the environment can disrupt this flow, while practices like meditation or even just breathing exercises can enhance it. It’s about balance, Eric. When the body’s frequency is steady, that’s when we experience true vitality.

Eric Marquette

Right, balance. It's always about balance, huh? And, honestly, this is starting to make me think that maybe Western medicine hasn’t caught up to all this yet—or, at least, not fully.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Well, I think we’re seeing a shift. More researchers are looking into energy medicine and the subtle connections between frequency and health. It’s not completely mainstream yet, but the evidence is building. And again, these ancient practices have been doing this for centuries—they knew energy mattered.

Eric Marquette

And it sounds like there’s still so much more here to unpack. Like, once we know about these energy patterns, what can we actually, you know, do with this knowledge?

Eric Marquette

So, Tanya, picking up from where we left off—when someone starts noticing these signals in their body, what’s the next step? How do we move from just being aware to actually making a difference in our energy flow?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Eric. A good starting point is to track those signals—a journal can be incredibly useful. Write down what you’re feeling physically, emotionally, and even what external factors might be at play, like your diet, sleep quality, or stress levels. Over time, patterns will start to emerge. It’s like creating a map of your body’s language.

Eric Marquette

Huh, that makes a lot of sense. So, you’re not just reacting—you’re seeing the bigger picture, right?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

So tools like body scans or guided meditations can help, too. With a body scan, for instance, you’re checking in with how different parts of your body feel—a kind of daily inventory. It builds that mind-body connection and strengthens your ability to notice subtle shifts.

Eric Marquette

Okay, but what happens if someone’s noticing these shifts, and it’s not clear what’s causing them? I mean, how do you go deeper when things are still kinda fuzzy?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

That’s where functional medicine can be incredibly valuable. Comprehensive testing—like gut microbiome analysis, hormone panels, or checking for nutrient deficiencies—can shine a light on underlying issues. These tests provide clarity and help define what’s really going on, especially for persistent or unexplained symptoms.

Eric Marquette

So it’s like digging for data, but on your own body. That’s pretty amazing. And—uh—once you have that info, then what?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Well, then it’s about making targeted lifestyle changes. It could be as simple as incorporating anti-inflammatory foods or prioritizing consistent movement. And don’t overlook emotional healing practices—those are just as vital. Addressing stressors or unresolved emotions can change how your body functions on a foundational level.

Eric Marquette

Yeah, yeah. And it’s kinda like—everything’s connected, isn’t it? What you eat, how you move, even what you feel... all tied into this bigger system.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Absolutely. Another element to consider is energy practices—things like acupuncture, sound healing, or grounding exercises. These can help realign your body’s vibrational energy, promoting balance and healing on a deeper level. Even spiritual practices like praying moves energy and works wonders. Faith gives us a way of unburdening ourselves of mental stress and uncertainty by handing it over to something greater than us. Something as simple as that increases our vibrational energy.

Eric Marquette

Wait. Vibrational energy? That sounds... abstract, but also really intriguing.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

It can seem that way at first, but these practices have been used for centuries to restore alignment in the body. Think of it as another layer to supporting your overall health—a way to work with the subtle, invisible parts of your well-being.

Eric Marquette

You know, this is starting to make me realize just how much there is to this idea of "listening." It's not just one thing—it’s, uh, a whole approach to how we see health.

Eric Marquette

You know, Tanya, the more we’ve been discussing this, the clearer it becomes that the body is truly offering us a guidebook, if we just pay attention. It’s not random at all—every signal feels like a clue, a piece of the bigger picture waiting to be understood.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

That’s exactly it, Eric. The body is incredibly wise, even when we don’t consciously realize it. Every ache, every burst of energy, every craving—it’s all part of its way of communicating. And when we start to listen, we—uh—we can guide ourselves toward balance and, ultimately, healing.

Eric Marquette

Right. It’s almost like having a built-in compass. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like the signals are, uh, hard to read. How do we, like, get better at tuning in?

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

It’s a practice, Eric. Start with curiosity, not judgment. Pay attention to how your body feels at different times of the day or after specific choices—like meals, exercise, or even emotional experiences. Just observing, without pressure to fix anything, can help you understand what your body thrives on and what it doesn’t.

Eric Marquette

Yeah, yeah, I can see how that would be... empowering. Like you're taking control, but in partnership with your body.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Exactly. The body is always working for you, not against you. Even illnesses or discomfort—they’re often the body’s way of signaling that something needs attention. Listening is how we initiate that partnership, and over time, it becomes second nature.

Eric Marquette

You know, this has been such an eye-opener, Tanya. I think we all kinda know our bodies are "smart," but we don’t often think of them as... as guides to our own health and balance. It’s powerful stuff.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

The strange thing I've noticed is that people can pick up on other people's energy but fail to pick up on the subtle changes within them.

Eric Marquette

Well, Tanya, this has been an incredible discussion. I think, uh, there’s a lot here for people to reflect on—and take action on. Thank you so much for sharing your insights.

Gerontologist Tanya Dave

Thank you, Eric. I truly hope this inspires people to connect with their bodies on a deeper level.

Eric Marquette

And on that note, that’s all for today. Thanks for tuning in, everyone. Stay curious, listen to your body, and we’ll see you next time.