Deep-dive into Clinique La Prairie's longevity method

Building on over 90 years of expertise, at Clinique La Prairie, we know “living fuller for longer” is within our reach to push the boundaries of longevity. We acknowledge that this quest can only be fully reached if our bodies are in an optimum state of health, and without the burden of chronic disease and frailty that comes with the process of ageing.

Slowing down the ageing process requires a multidimensional protean approach that combines the continuous advances in medical technology with the best available evolving knowledge from all the major dimensions of health including evidence-based medicine, nutrition, exercise and wellbeing.

The pursuit of longevity and a long life in excellent health requires that we diligently utilize the continuous advances in modern medicine, nutrition, exercise, and wellbeing in our daily lives.

Dr. Adrian Heini, Medical Director Clinique La Prairie

The 4 principles of our CLP longevity concept

This multidimensional protean approach is what gave rise to the 4 principles of our CLP longevity concept: 

1. Ageing in the human organism is driven by two main processes: immunosenescence and senoinflammation, known together as inflammaging.

2. Age-related changes occur on three recognizable biological levels of the human organism, the molecular, the cellular, and the organ systems. Each of these levels represent distinct opportunities for the development and application of the tools of longevity medicine.

3. Genetic and epigenetic factors combine to create individual manifestations and experiences of health and disease states driven by the processes of ageing. For this reason, the effective application of the science of longevity is complete when it is guided by the most advanced and scientifically sound individualized programs.

4. Longevity science is most effective when its application is inspired by and respects the synergistic and interconnected nature of the biologic levels of the human organism. The 4 pillars of Clinique La Prairie represent a synergistic and comprehensive philosophy that governs the application of our longevity medicine.

The 3 possible places to look for age-related changes

The three distinct levels of biological functions within an organism and therefore three possible places to look for age-related changes

When we examine the biologically complex organism - one that contains multiple organs, we can organize all its biological functions into three general levels:

Level 1: The biological functions that occur on a MOLECULAR level

For example Cellular Genes : Mutations to the DNA result in reduction or loss of cell function, and/or development of unwanted cellular products, and/or cancer formation.

Level 2: The biological functions that occur on a CELLULAR level

For example Stem Cells, that are non-specialized cells that can grow and divide to replenish the loss of specialized cells that die or get damaged from injury. They are important for organ maintenance and repair. Reduction in total number of stem cells due to chronic inflammation, results in the body’s reduced ability to maintain itself, or regenerate after injury.

Level 3: The biological functions that occur on the level of the ORGAN systems

For example the Microbiome: age-related changes to it can result in increased susceptibility to infections, decreased ability to digest and absorb food, decreased or overstimulation of the immune system, dysregulation of the metabolic pathways, or susceptibility to mental health disorders.

In simplified terms, on the molecular level, molecules produced within a cell governs the overall function of that cell. On a cellular level, the collective actions of each cell then determine the overall function of the organ system of which that cell is a part. Finally, on the organ systems level, the collective action of the organ systems enables an organism to remain alive and participate in its environment. Research into the processes of ageing and longevity has found that age-related changes occur on all three of these levels, and that they are driven by two the main processes of immunosenescence and senoinflammation.

The importance of an individualized and holistic approach

The importance of an individualized and holistic approach

Clinique La Prairie’s interventions can be personalized based on our genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices, and this is essential in our philosophy.

Indeed, every individual is unique due to the interplay of their genes with their environment. Even among monozygotic twins, this interplay can create states of health or disease that are specific to the individual.

Also, senoinflammation and immunosenescence have both specific and cascading effects on all three biological levels of the organism. For example, the negative changes on a molecular level do not only impact cellular function,  but can often translate into negative changes on one or multiple organ systems with a compounding cyclical effect. This observation has led us to believe that any approach to reversing the effects of ageing must follow the same holistic principle, one where every diagnostic and treatment intervention considers the whole-body system including mental health.

Our environment and lifestyle choices have a major impact on the genes that control the expression of certain diseases in a biological process we call epigenetics. And today, science shows that our epigenetic changes can be slowed or reversed if we can identify the factors influencing their change.

As a pioneer in the longevity sciences, Clinique La Prairie was the first medi-wellness institution to integrate the tool of genomics (2018) and epigenetics (2020) in its health programs. Empowering our guests and our physicians with a great knowledge and providing them with a tool that can be used in directing the course of their health.

Clinique La Prairie has designed programs that are customized based on the diagnostic information gathered through these advanced testings so that you are given truly individualized longevity interventions and guidance.

The 4 pillars of Clinique La Prairie

The 4 pillars of Clinique La Prairie

The 4 pillars of Clinique La Prairie represent a synergistic and comprehensive philosophy that governs the application of our longevity medicine

Longevity science is most effective when its application is inspired by and respects the synergistic and interconnected nature of the biologic levels of the human organism.

Clinique La Prairie is staffed with more than 50 specialists who have at their direct disposal the most advanced diagnostic and treatment tools to help guests revitalize, and live longer, fuller, healthier lives.

Evidence-based Medicine, Nutrition, Movement and Wellbeing comprise the synergistic four pillars of the CLP Longevity Concept.

Our success is measured in the ability of our guests to achieve their personal health and wellbeing goals. We are committed in this relationship as a partnership where we equip you with the best of our knowledge and methods on longevity science, and we empower you to make incremental changes in the long-term with what you learn in the short time you spend with us.

It is this partnership that determines the success of our overall CLP Longevity Concept.