title: The human biology--saturated with experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The human being is a self-reflecting, relationship-oriented, goal-directed organism in search of meaning. The process of coordinating and developing knowledge about how experience associated with self-conscience, relationships and values can contribute to development of health and disease is a great challenge for the medical profession.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a theory-guided synthesis of new scientific knowledge from fields such as epigenetics, psycho-neuro-endocrino-immunology, stress research and systems biology. The sources are articles in acknowledged journals and books, chosen to provide insight into associations between life history (biography) and the human body (biology) in a wide sense.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Research shows that information about biography, i.e. experienced meaning and relationships, is literally incorporated into the human organism. Epigenetics illustrates the fundamental biological potential for context-dependent adaptation. Further, studies have shown that different types of existential strain may disturb systems for human physiological adaptation, affect structures in the brain and subsequently render the organism vulnerable for disease. However, a sense of belonging and a perception of being supported and acknowledged can contribute to strengthening or restoring health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The traditional approach to increasing biomedical knowledge has prevented insight into the medical significance of experience. The new knowledge necessitates a reorientation of theory and practice within the medical profession both with respect to individuals and society.
authors.affiliation: General Practice Research Unit, Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 8905, 7491 Trondheim, Norway. linngetz@med.is
authors.forename: Linn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Getz
authors.forename: Anna Luise
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Kirkengen
authors.forename: Elling
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ulvestad
mesh_terms: D001695:Biology; D004777:Environment; D057890:Epigenomics; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D008511:Medicine; D012106:Research; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013315:Stress, Psychological