The 4 Invisible Pillars of Health

Many of us are committed to long morning routines.

We eat well, we exercise, we cold plunge, we wear blue light blocking glasses, etc, etc.

We invest so much money, time and effort. Doing everything in our power to do all the right things, yet something still feels off.

My first question would be what is being measured? Are we looking in the right direction? In my personal quest for overall wellbeing and thriving health, I’ve learned that some of the most critical metrics for resilience and vitality are not the ones we typically focus on.

I’ve come to learn that there are four important metrics to understand. These are the vagus nerve, lymphatic system, fascia, and heart rate variability. These are our body’s silent operators, constantly signalling how efficiently we recover, adapt, and perform.

When each of these four pillars are optimised, everything else falls into place.

If just one of these is off balance, we feel sluggish, tense, and out of sorts. Understanding each of these and is the key that will hold up your levels of resilience allowing you to thrive, regardless of your age.

The Vagus Nerve: Our Body’s Transmission

Imagine a control system regulating our ability to speed up and slow down, ensuring we respond appropriately to whatever life throws at us.

That is our vagus nerve. It acts like the transmission in a car, allowing us to smoothly shift between states of high energy and relaxation, ensuring we operate at the right pace for each moment. It regulates our parasympathetic nervous system, alternating between rest-and-digest, where the body slows down and restores, and feed-and-breed, which supports metabolism, reproduction, and deep social connection.

The vagus nerve is one of the most extensive networks in the body, running from the brainstem down to the heart, lungs, digestive tract, and nearly every major organ. It is the bridge between our mind and body, constantly sending signals in both directions.

When it functions optimally, we can switch gears effortlessly—moving from high-energy action to deep recovery without friction. But if it becomes dysregulated, we might feel stuck in stress mode or sluggish when we need to perform.

Keeping the vagus nerve nimble means engaging in practices that encourage flexibility and responsiveness. Deep breathing, humming, cold exposure, and even laughter act like recalibration tools, helping us transition smoothly between states and maintain balance in our nervous system.

The Lymphatic System: Our Body’s Clean-Up Crew

Our lymphatic system as a drainage system working 24/7 to remove waste and toxins.

Unlike the circulatory system, which relies on the heart to keep blood moving, the lymphatic system has no built-in mechanism to move fluids.

Instead, it relies entirely on movement, breath, and manual stimulation to function optimally.

Our bodies contain around 600 to 700 lymph nodes, concentrated in key areas like the neck, armpits, groin, and abdomen. These nodes act as filtration hubs, trapping unwanted substances before they are flushed out. But without movement, these containers can become stagnant, slowing down the body’s ability to cleanse itself.

Keeping the lymphatic system flowing requires physical engagement. Walking, rebounding, and deep belly breathing are ideal for drainage.

Other practices like dry brushing and tapping stimulate lymph movement, boosts the body’s natural detoxification process.

Fascia: The Web That Holds Us Together

Fascia is the connective tissue that wraps around every muscle, bone, and organ in our body.

It is not just a structural framework but a dynamic, crystalline web that needs to stay fluid, plastic, and adaptable. When healthy, fascia allows for smooth movement, and appropriate circulation.

However, when fascia becomes dehydrated or restricted, it can lose its elasticity, becoming sticky and rigid. This can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, poor fluid drainage, and even the appearance of cellulite due to trapped toxins and reduced circulation. Since fascia has no independent pump, it relies entirely on movement, pressure, and hydration to stay functional.

Keeping fascia pliable requires consistent movement, stretching, and manual stimulation. Practices like foam rolling, dynamic stretching, and hydration help restore its fluidity, allowing for greater mobility and a healthier internal environment.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Our Body’s Stress Gauge

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures the tiny fluctuations in time between each heartbeat. It may seem insignificant, but this variation is a direct reflection of how well our nervous system is balancing between stress and recovery. A higher HRV suggests adaptability, meaning our body is responsive and flexible, shifting smoothly between effort and rest.

A low HRV, on the other hand, can indicate that our system is stuck in overdrive, struggling to reset, which may lead to stress, fatigue, and slower recovery.

The good news is that HRV is not fixed. It can be improved. Tracking HRV has never been easier with smartwatches and fitness trackers. Simple practices like quality sleep, regular movement, and mindfulness exercises help recalibrate our nervous system, allowing it to regain its flexibility and responsiveness. Over time, small daily adjustments can make a significant impact on our ability to handle stress and maintain resilience.

Optimising Our Invisible Pillars with Shilajit and Ashwagandha

When we understand these pillars, we unlock another level of control over our performance and well-being. The right support can help reinforce these systems, keeping them primed for resilience and adaptability.

This is where Shilajit and Ashwagandha come in. They are the levers we can pull to fine-tune how we recover, adapt, and function every day.

These systems do not work in isolation. They are constantly influencing one another, shaping the way we move, feel, and perform.

When they are aligned, we are adaptable and resilient. When they are off, we feel it such as tightness, fatigue, sluggishness, or an edge we just cannot quite sharpen.

The goal is to stay aware and engaged. By incorporating natural allies like Shilajit and Ashwagandha into our wellness routine, we reinforce the very foundations that keep us strong, steady, and thriving.

When we keep these pillars fluid, responsive, and adaptable, we create the conditions for long-term resilience and ease.

Shilajit: A Natural Ally for These Pillars

Shilajit has been highly prized for centuries. Valued for its ability to support resilience and vitality. Many people weave it into their daily rituals, using it to stay sharp, focused, and steady in the face of life’s demands.

It is known to support libido, contribute to cognitive function over time, and provide a slight boost in focus. Some also use it as part of their approach to weight management, immune health, and menstrual cycle support.

Bringing Shilajit into our wellness routine adds another layer of reinforcement to the systems that help us recover, adapt, and thrive. Order your Shilajit here.

Ashwagandha: The Adaptogen for Stress and Strength

Ashwagandha has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic traditions for centuries, known for its ability to help the body navigate stress while staying steady and strong. Nicknamed ‘Indian Ginseng,’ this adaptogen is a resilience builder, supporting relaxation while reinforcing our ability to handle life’s demands with ease.

It is recognised for supporting muscle growth and maintaining energy levels, making it a valuable ally for those looking to build strength and endurance.

Ashwagandha also plays a role in supporting the immune function, and helps maintain balance across multiple systems in the body. Like all powerful adaptogens, its benefits accumulate over time. With consistent use, it helps us manage stress, sharpen focus, and sustain vitality in the long run.

Adding Ashwagandha to our daily routine reinforces our body’s natural rhythms, helping us stay strong, steady, and adaptable in the face of life’s demands. Order your Ashwagandha here.

We are proud to provide a KSM-66 extract. It’s the gold standard of ashwagandha extracts, backed by clinical research and delivering a potent concentration of active compounds.

With a standardised 5% withanolide content, it delivers a reliable and effective dose of this ancient powerhouse.

Flowing Forward

As you’ve probably summised by now, our health goes far beyond diet and exercise.

These invisible systems are the foundation of how we move, feel, and recover, quietly dictating our energy levels, resilience, and overall vitality.

As always,

Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong.

Asha ✨

Asha Sultana

I believe in the power of mushrooms and in the innate intelligence of our bodies. Fungi support human health like none other. Personally, I have used a wide variety of mushrooms to restore my health from heavy metal poisoning and its consequences. Currently living in Cape Town while raised in Canada and born in Romania. My travels have deepened my connection to natural medicines and my commitment to balanced living.