Wellness is often approached as something separate from our environment, but in this episode of Designing in 5D, we explore a different perspective—one where living well starts at home. Through a conversation between Jodi Peterman and Christie, co-founder of Innovative Wellness Center in the Des Moines area, this discussion connects the dots between the body, the mind, and the spaces we inhabit.
Christie’s approach to functional medicine focuses on understanding what the body is actually asking for rather than relying solely on surface-level symptoms. Many people seek out care after feeling dismissed by traditional systems, often hearing that their labs are “normal” while still not feeling well. This gap between how someone feels and what standard testing reveals is where a more comprehensive, root-cause approach becomes valuable.
A key theme throughout the conversation is the idea of measurable wellness. Rather than guessing, Christie emphasizes using comprehensive lab work and advanced tools to evaluate factors like nutrient levels, metabolic health, hormones, and adrenal function. Layered with additional methods such as biofeedback and quantum-based testing, this approach aims to identify imbalances that may not appear in conventional assessments. The goal is not just to identify issues, but to create a clear, actionable path toward balance and sustainability.
This concept of clarity closely mirrors intentional interior design. Just as a well-designed home begins with understanding how a space will function before selecting finishes or furniture, wellness begins with understanding what the body needs before applying solutions. Without that foundation, both design and health can become reactive rather than intentional. In both cases, the most successful outcomes come from aligning decisions with the bigger picture rather than focusing on isolated elements.
The conversation also highlights how interconnected systems within the body are. Factors such as the nervous system, hormones, cellular health, and even emotional patterns all play a role in overall well-being. Christie explains how the body can associate certain foods or experiences with stress responses, and how biofeedback and targeted interventions can help retrain those responses over time. This reinforces the idea that healing is not just physical, but also influenced by patterns, environment, and lived experience.
Another important takeaway is the role of consistency and simplicity. Instead of overwhelming changes or one-size-fits-all protocols, sustainable wellness comes from listening to the body and making gradual, informed adjustments. Whether that looks like improving sleep habits, incorporating movement, paying attention to nutrition, or reducing environmental stressors, the focus remains on alignment rather than extremes.
The discussion also touches on preventative awareness. By looking at trends in lab work and understanding long-term trajectories, it becomes possible to identify potential concerns before they develop into more serious conditions. This proactive mindset is similar to planning a home renovation with a clear design strategy—anticipating needs, addressing structural considerations early, and making decisions that support the end result over time.
Ultimately, this episode reframes wellness as something deeply personal and integrative. It’s not just about reacting to symptoms or following generic advice—it’s about understanding the unique needs of your body and creating an environment, both internally and externally, that supports how you want to live.
If you’ve ever felt like something is “off” despite doing everything right, this conversation offers a different way to think about health—one that prioritizes clarity, alignment, and long-term sustainability.
🎧 Listen now and follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SH9NbnLfhCmEyZsJ0r0f8?mibextid=Zxz2cZ
Or head to elizabetherindesigns.com → Podcast