Maps of Human Complexity
Maps for navigating human complexity across different clinical and conceptual perspectives.
Different disciplines observe different aspects of the person.
Some focus on structure. Others on the nervous system. Others on nutrition, energy, emotions, the mind, identity, or direction.
At Mapping Human Complexity, we use multiple maps of human complexity to organize and connect these different perspectives.
Among the first maps we explore are Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt’s 5-Level Model and 7 Factors framework.
Both models were developed by Klinghardt and form an important part of our current way of organizing complex cases. We use them as foundational maps while also comparing them with other perspectives and, in some areas, extending the territory they describe.
Map 1 — Klinghardt’s 5-Level Model
This map answers the question: “Where am I looking?”
The 5 Levels provide a way to organize different dimensions of the human being.
1. Physical Body
Areas we currently explore within and around this level:
Structure · movement · biomechanics · nutrition · metabolism · hormones
2. Energy Body
Areas we currently explore within and around this level:
Regulation · stress · autonomic nervous system · acupuncture · meridians
3. Mental Body
Areas we currently explore within and around this level:
Thoughts · emotions · beliefs · memories · subconscious patterns · behaviors · attachment · parts
4. Intuitive Body
Areas we currently explore within and around this level:
Relationships · family roles · intergenerational patterns · systemic approaches
5. Spiritual Body
Areas we currently explore within and around this level:
Identity · values · meaning · direction · personality · spirituality · experience of self · vision · life goals
We will progressively explore this map in greater depth in our articles.
Map 2 — Klinghardt’s 7 Factors
This map answers the question: “What exactly am I looking for?”
This second map organizes seven broad categories of factors — concrete areas that may be explored in a person:
- Structural imbalances
- Biochemical needs/deficiencies
- Toxins
- Biophysical stress
- Food, environmental and emotional “allergies”
- Energetic perturbances
- Psycho-spiritual issues
We will progressively explore this map in greater depth in our articles.
Maps of Human Complexity: Different Models, One Territory
Chiropractic, applied kinesiology, nutrition, acupuncture, psychology, IFS, family systems, Human Design, and many other models may describe very different aspects of the same person.
Mapping Human Complexity therefore asks a few simple questions:
- What is this model trying to describe?
- Where does it fit on the map?
- What does it focus on?
- Where does it overlap with or contradict other models?
- What might it be less able to observe?
We Are Not Looking for THE Map
A map is not the territory.
Every map answers certain questions while leaving others aside.
Our goal is therefore not to build a definitive theory of the human being. Instead, our work consists of progressively building an atlas of complementary maps for navigating human complexity.
Some come from existing models.
Others may emerge from comparing them.
And the atlas will evolve as our understanding evolves.
Investigate → Map → Share
INVESTIGATE
Study different models, disciplines, and methods.
MAP
Understand what they describe and how they may fit together.
SHARE
Turn this work into articles, videos, and maps that practitioners can use.