Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism

Discovery that the ECM is the regulatory system for the cells is astonishing and revolutionary; and it overthrows the cell theory and established holism on a sound, scientific footing...

Simultaneously shows that reductionism (study and therapy based on the smallest particle) is not the true foundation for treatment but a dangerous side-step.

Having established this we learn a few more basic principles: 

1. we need to learn to see the whole
2. we are justified in treating by organ as well (organ-specificity), which involves us in a mechanical understanding of the body as opposed to a molecular approach, and
3. we need to learn to see and treat the polymers of the matrix, the internal biome, and the microbiome on the linings of the body. 

Since holistic practitioners have long been treating the whole and the organ, and often thinking mechanically about organ relationships, the main subject of this class will be how to visualize and strengthen the matrix itself. It involves the use of mucilages (which are slurries of matrix polymers from plants) and the use of astringents to tone the mucosa and microbiome. And mushrooms - they possess polysaccharides or polymers just like the ECM and now we can perhaps begin to see their influence more directly.