Healing from Chronic Illness with Marly: Recent Episodes
Marly
Naturopathic health and wellness methods to heal from chronic illness, mental health issues & trauma.
Here's a 7-day self-led exercise protocol using somatic therapy techniques to calm the stress response:
Day 1: Body Scan Meditation
- Find a quiet space and lie down comfortably.
- Close your eyes and focus on your breath for a few minutes.
- Start a body scan from your toes to your head, noticing any areas of tension or discomfort.
- As you scan, imagine sending breath and relaxation to those areas, allowing them to release tension.
Day 2: Grounding Techniques
- Stand barefoot on the ground (grass, sand, or earth if possible).
- Feel the connection between your feet and the ground.
- Take slow, deep breaths, imagining roots growing from your feet into the earth, grounding and stabilizing you.
Day 3: Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Sit or lie down comfortably.
- Tense each muscle group (starting from your toes and working up to your head) for a few seconds, then release and relax completely.
- Focus on the contrast between tension and relaxation in each muscle group.
Day 4: Mindful Movement
- Engage in gentle, mindful movement such as yoga, tai chi, or qigong.
- Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you move, and focus on the present moment.
- Notice any areas of tension and allow them to soften and release with each movement.
Day 5: Breathwork
- Practice deep breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing.
- Focus on extending your exhales to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation.
- Visualize stress leaving your body with each exhale.
Day 6: Self-Massage
- Use self-massage techniques to release tension in your muscles.
- Use gentle pressure and circular motions on areas like your neck, shoulders, back, and hands.
- Pay attention to how your body responds to the touch and allow yourself to relax deeply.
Day 7: Nature Connection
- Spend time in nature, whether it's a walk in the park, sitting by a river, or simply being outdoors.
- Use all your senses to connect with nature - feel the breeze, listen to the sounds, observe the colors and textures.
- Allow yourself to be present and absorbed in the natural environment, letting go of stress and tension.
Throughout the week, remember to practice self-compassion and kindness towards yourself. Each day, reflect on how your body feels before and after the exercises, noticing any changes in your stress levels and overall well-being.
Marly provides an overview of Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk's book, Body Keeps the Score.
Helpful bookstudy link: https://traumaresearchfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Book-Club-Study-Guide_compressed.pdf
Marly shares about a particular author/teacher who helped her on her healing journey.Louise Hay was a motivational author who developed a theory linking emotions and physical ailments. According to her views, specific suppressed or unaddressed emotions can manifest as physical symptoms in related areas of the body. For example, headaches might be linked to self-criticism, neck pain to stubbornness, and back pain to emotional support issues. Hay advocated for healing through positive affirmations and thinking, promoting a mind-body connection approach. While her ideas have been influential in self-help circles, they are viewed as more metaphysical than scientific and are met with skepticism by some health professionals. Her work emphasizes the power of attitude in affecting physical health and suggests that changing one’s thoughts can lead to physical healing.
Marly shares an overview of what Somatic Relief Exercises or Somatic Experiencing is to help process trauma.
Marly shares some reasons to de-clutter your home and some practical help to make it happen!
Marly shares 10 ways nervous system dysregulation may show up in your life. How nervous system regulation can achieve healing in the phyiscal and biological outcomes.
Why community, support and belonging is essental to regulating the central nervous system.
Marly explains why we need adequate protein for brain function and mental health as well as which protein sources are optimal.
Marly shares that doing the following may help depression:
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Optimize thyroid
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Optimize folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, homocysteine, omega-3's
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Try eliminating inflammatory foods for 3 weeks
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Eat from the rainbow of fruits and veggies
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Squash the ANTs
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Exercise
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Add one of the following: saffron, curcumin, zinc citrate or glycinate, magnesium glycine/citrate/malate, vitamin B6
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Probiotics
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Get some light therapy - preferrably sunshine before 10 am.
For products and resources or to contact Dr. Mike directly please go to: https://mvtonline.com/
Dr. Mike shares about the 5P Method from his book, the IZOD Method.
Free videos for Fibromyalgia in Remission DIY:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM_ncQgFrKIyBMonAWMNQgLKOD5I5Yngo
Marly shares why you need an Emotional Rescue Playlist along with some songs you can add!
Marly shares what you may be experiencing if you have Limbic System Dysfunction or Impairment.
For more info on NeurOptimal® Brain Training Systems:
marly.jones@neuroptimal.com
harmonyneurofeedback@gmail.com
Marly shares how sounds in nature, particularly water, evoke a relaxation response. Scientifically proven to activate the parasympathetic nervous system - sounds of water help to calm us naturally.
Angus shares what he has learned on his journey. Key insights include - isolation delegation, pattern recognition, how to be a good leader, living from a place of vision and belief, re-creating your thought life and leaving victimhood.
Try the Cross Crawl Exercise when you are stuck in sympathetic over-drive. It has been a go to for years to calm and regulate the stress response.
Marly shares 5 ways to build stress resilience:
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Information - knowledge is power!
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Take Control - respond to what you can take power over!
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Optimize your Pleasure Centers - boost dopamine naturally
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Clear traumas - NeurOptimal® Brain Training
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Community - join Brain Training Tribe and keep listening to Healing Chronic Illness with Marly podcast. Have at least one friend and once you're feeling better enjoy connecting with others more. Especially if you can combine a creative and fun hobby to do together!
Marly shares about HTMA and why it is an excellent test to determine why you may be having symptoms such as:
*headaches
*allergies
*anxiety
*depression
*weakness
*arthritis
*high blood pressure
Marly challenges you to be self aware of judging others. Casting judgement on others often is reflective of something not right within ourselves. Save your energy!
Marly and Reed discuss functional labratory testing to determine root causes to illnesses, conditions and symptoms. How we heal through an integrative approach that addresses body, mind and spirit. Reed shares what he does everyday to enhance his life and why breathwork is essential to wellness.
Marly shares about DHEA and why we need optimal levels to help our bodies heal and handle stress well.
Marly shares why we each need to allow ourselves to have solitude and cocoon away from people as part of our healing process.
Marly discusses Trauma's Chronic Effects on the Body-
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Toxins
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Hormones
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Nervous System
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Immune System
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Neurological Effects
Marly shares a bit about Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum's SHINE protocol and adding Ribose to your daily supplement regimen for energy.
Marly visits with Andi and Charlie about how hospitality and creativity are a part of the healing journey. Andi and Charlie share what they have learned about serving others and balancing personal and productivity time. New book release March 12, 2024 now on pre-order: Why Everything That Doesn't Matter Matters So Much. Available where all books are sold.
Marly shares how and why to process emotions. Learn a simple but effective breathing technique to calm and elevate.
Marly shares about how when emotions and other processes that we need to naturally let out - we blow a fuse ... or something else!
Dr. Teitelbaum shares 7 more helpful tips to prevent Dementia and avoid Alzheimers and Cognitive Decline.
DEMENTIA protocol explained.
Before starting anti-depressant meds:
Optimize thyroid (have a full panel blood test for thyroid)
Optimize your levels of B, D & homocysteine levels
Elimination diet - remove inflammatory foods: grains (wheat, corn), sugar & dairy
Eat lots of raw colorful fruits and veggies
Eliminate negative thoughts (squash the ANTs)
Exercise
Take Saffron, Curcumin, Zinc, Magnesium, B Complex, probiotics
Bright light (full spectrum) therapy
Dr. Sara Whedon, DC and Brain Health Professional, shares why brain optimization is essential for corporations and businesses to offer for their employees to experience success.
Best Supplements for Brain Health & Avoiding Cognitive Decline:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil and flaxseed oil, these fats are important for maintaining brain function and may help improve memory in healthy individuals.
- B Vitamins: B6, B12, and folic acid are known to reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood. Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with increased risk of stroke, cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease.
- Vitamin D: Often associated with bone health, vitamin D also plays an important role in brain health. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to a greater risk of developing neurological disorders.
- Ginkgo Biloba: Widely used in Europe for cognitive disorders, Ginkgo biloba may help with cognition by improving blood flow to the brain.
- Curcumin: This is the active ingredient in turmeric and has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier. It's known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and may help in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine: This amino acid is naturally produced in the body and is known for its role in promoting brain health and cognitive function, particularly among older adults.
- Resveratrol: An antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes, resveratrol may help protect the brain. Some studies suggest it helps in preventing the deterioration of the hippocampus, an important part of the brain associated with memory.
- Phosphatidylserine
Marly shares about the Polyvagal Theory and how the vagus nerve activates different states in our body/experiences. She provides some tips to help you go from a fight/flight/freeze state into an engaged and balanced ventral vagal state.
NeurOptimal® Certified Trainer, Caroline Trepanier shares her personal experience with healing depression for herself and how it has helped her clients as well.
Marly shares results from her SPECT scan and how you can gain access to scans and better help yourself in healing the brain.
https://harmonyneurofeedback.com/resources
Need a scan and want a discount? Contact Marly for more info:
HarmonyNeurofeedback@gmail.com
Marly discusses the work of Dr. George Land and why we need to not be double minded in our thinking and learning! We do not want our neurons fighting each other when we are establishing new neural pathways in learning! We must get out of stuck and rigid thinking patterns.
Marly shares about how to find the source of mold if you suspect it is in your home or work space. She also offers some tips on how to make your environment less toxic from mold and/or mycotoxins as well as your body!
Do you believe all diseases and disorders have a root cause? I do! Listen to find out why!
Recently I tested my own window tolerance with a once in a lifetime adventure. Never would I have imagined myself being able to handle doing something so stress inducing and nerve wracking... but I did! AND I loved it! I have come so far in my healing journey. I want to encourage everyone to keep going!
Before you add in any other wellness protocol - start with healing the brain and regulating the nervous system first!
Next time you are in fight or flight or spinning in your thoughts - give this simple technique a try to calm yourself back down.
Why we need to experience and feel our emotions and how to honour them to help with our healing.
We all can forgive and release our parents for their shortcomings. Many of us carry unforgiveness and to heal we need to release and forgive our parents for past hurts.
Resilience is the capacity of a dynamic system to adapt successfully to challenges that threaten the function, survival or future development of the system itself. Putting stress on it do it can adapt and make changes causes growth and resilience!
Have you done all you can do?
A personal take on realizing my limits and being okay. Grit and grace to get through this life.
Links to free courses from Feel Good Functional Medicine: Feel Good Great Sleep Course https://l.bttr.to/Kk9P5 Coupon code SLEEPWELL
Feel Good Great Gut Now https://p.bttr.to/3enFUQu coupon code GREATGUT100
How our relationship with our birth mom effects our development in our relationship with others and how we see/feel about ourself.
How to release wounds that we have been holding onto from our birth fathers and how that impacts our relationship with ourselves and God.
Try these suggestions before beginning medication. Dr. Daniel Amen provides natural therapies that can be used in place of medication or actually help the meds work better for those who need them!
Research shows that optimal progesterone and testosterone levels reduce pain in the body.
What to do to test for POTS or OI and how to feel better!
ORTHOSTATIC INTOLERANCE QUIZ Self-report Orthostatlc Grading Scale, Mayo Clin Proc. 2005;80(3):330-334 (Orthostatic symptoms include worsening dizziness, fatigue, racing heart or brain fog when standing.) Circle 0-4 below as best applies to you. A. Frequency of orthostatic symptoms: 0. I never or rarely experience orthostatic symptoms when I stand up. 1. I sometimes experience orthostatic symptoms when I stand up. 2. I often experience orthostatic symptoms when I stand up. 3. I usually experience orthostatic symptoms when I stand up. 4. I always experience orthostatic symptoms when I stand up. B. Severity of orthostatic symptoms: 0. I do not experience orthostatic symptoms when I stand up. 1. I experience mild orthostatic symptoms when I stand up. 2. I experience moderate orthostatic symptoms when I stand up and sometimes have to sit back down for relief. 3. I experience severe orthostatic symptoms when I stand up and frequently have to sit back down for relief. 4. I experience severe orthostatic symptoms when I stand up and regularly faint if I do not sit back down. C. Conditions under which orthostatic symptoms occur: 0. I never or rarely experience orthostatic symptoms under any circumstances. 1. I sometimes experience orthostatic symptoms under certain conditions, such as prolonged standing, a meal, exertion (e.g., walking), or when exposed to heat (e.g., hot day, hot bath, hot shower). 2. I often experience orthostatic symptoms under certain conditions, such as prolonged standing, a meal, exertion (e.g., walking), or when exposed to heat (e.g., hot day, hot bath, hot shower). 3. I usually experience orthostatic symptoms under certain conditions, such as prolonged standing, a meal, exertion (e.g., walking), or when exposed to heat (e.g., hot day, hot bath, hot shower). 4. I always experience orthostatic symptoms when I stand up; the specific conditions do not matter. 2 D. Activities of daily living: 0. My orthostatic symptoms do not interfere with activities of daily living (e.g., work, chores, dressing, bathing). 1. My orthostatic symptoms mildly interfere with activities of daily living (e.g., work, chores, dressing, bathing). 2. My orthostatic symptoms moderately interfere with activities of daily living (e.g., work, chores, dressing, bathing). 3. My orthostatic symptoms severely interfere with activities of daily living (e.g., work, chores, dressing, bathing). 4. My orthostatic symptoms severely interfere with activities of daily living (e.g., work, chores, dressing, bathing). I am bed or wheelchair bound because of my symptoms. E. Standing time: 0. On most occasions, I can stand as long as necessary without experiencing orthostatic symptoms. 1. On most occasions, I can stand more than 15 minutes before experiencing orthostatic symptoms. 2. On most occasions, I can stand 5-14 minutes before experiencing orthostatic symptoms. 3. On most occasions, I can stand 1-4 minutes before experiencing orthostatic symptoms. 4. On most occasions, I can stand less than I minute before experiencing orthostatic symptoms. _____Total Score Scores of 9 or higher suggest Orthostatic Intolerance
THE NASA TEST: https://batemanhornecenter.org/assess-orthostatic-intolerance/
http://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/pdf/RoweOIsummary.pdf
Sometimes what we think is anxiety is actually a histamine response in the body. Ingestants, contactants, inhalants and/or injectants that stress our nervous system and causes physical symptoms that mimic anxiety.
Marly shares about outward expression in behavior of what is happening when files in the brain reorganize. Efficacy of NeurOptimal from Brain Trainers.
For info on the vagus nerve training machine please go to:
https://www.dolphinmps.com/shop-now/?wpam_id=97
Dr. Cathleen King shares how to be true to yourself in your own healing. Find your voice.
Dr. Ingrid Clayton gives practical help on knowing what trauma belongs to others and how to manage our own selves.
For more info on NeurOptimal brain training please go to https://harmonyneurofeedback.com/ or https://neuroptimal.com/
*Edit - Marly mentions a mis-pronunciation of epigenomics - this is the study of epigenetic modifications or changes in a cell based on exposures to environmental factors.
You can follow Roz on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rozlight
Join the Neurofeedback and NeuroTraining Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/704232361000528
You can find more information about improving your brain health through our resources page:
https://harmonyneurofeedback.com/resources
Pre-order Dr. Daniel Amen's new book Change Your Brain Everyday:
https://brainmd.com/?utm_source=shareasale&utm_medium=affiliate&sscid=21k7_z233x&source=shareasale
Dr. Chris Lee points out that Wandering Attention creates constant stress in our lives.
Here's how to turn it off:
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Catch the lowest hanging fruit with a model called MIT (most important task) this helps organize and creates a plan for the brain to follow as it executes.
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Learn how to focus for longer periods of time. De-focusing tasks, such as social media, tasks that constantly shift focus on multiple subjects and using behavior to wire the brain for distraction.
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Building in simple time blocks for your day is a great way to help solidify focusing pathways and keep those 150 tabs closing one a time to shut down wandering attention.
Ten things to avoid and Ten things to add to support positivity in your life and reduce anxiety.
All content furnished by Dwight Bain, LMHC Winterpark, Florida
After a bad fall at the beach, I experienced horrible back pain. Herniated discs plus many visits to practitioners and specialists, loads of pain meds & no sleep for weeks. Finally determined what is ofter over-looked and misdiagnosed - The Psoas muscle in the body. Now to recover!
TRE Therapy can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeUioDuJjFI
https://sehorse.com/
https://www.freereinaustralia.com/
http://www.centreforeel.com/about-us/
Special Guest -Keystone Equine Trainer, Lee McLean on Living Well & Riding Better from bestselling book, Horsewoman.
https://amzn.to/3ivLkel
https://amzn.to/3w1gM7b
https://www.facebook.com/livingwellridingbetter
If we all had enough "horse sense" we would be able to live in the moment. If our nervous systems are regulated then we do! Learn how being around horses can help bring us back into the here and now to be at peace.
Parasitic infections are common! Every now and then we need to worm ourselves too! Kick off the new year with a Detox protocol.
Here's ones I recommend -
https://cellcore.com/products/para-kit
Cell Core Practitioner Code: c8CykB15
https://numedica.com/formulas/NM535
Numedica Practitioner Code: 20426
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum (Dr. T) shares with us on how to heal using SHINE protocol. We also discuss how biophysics, processing feelings and faith supports our healing.
For research studies and protocols mentioned in the podcast - you can email directly: FatigueDoc @gmail.com
Share about a book I highly recommend to help regain health and a healthy perspective in life. How to process our feelings, be free of blame and judgement and focus on love.
Get your copy here:
https://amzn.to/3BRORu7
Brain Training Software (Neurofeedback program) -
https://neuroptimal.com/
Need a referral for a SPECT scan?
Email Marly at HarmonyNeurofeedback@gmail.com
Interested in Amen University Brain Health Courses? There is a full library to choose from:
Brain Health Licensed Trainer course -
https://www.amenuniversity.com/a/2147502340/WkPnZGu8
Brain Health Certification course -
https://www.amenuniversity.com/a/2147497153/WkPnZGu8
Healing ADD at Home in 30 Days course -
https://www.amenuniversity.com/a/2147506996/WkPnZGu8
30 Days Happiness Challenge -
https://www.amenuniversity.com/a/2147506997/WkPnZGu8
BrainFit for Work & Life course -
https://www.amenuniversity.com/a/2147506998/WkPnZGu8
Concussion Rescue -
https://www.amenuniversity.com/a/2147506999/WkPnZGu8
Change Your Brain Masters course -
https://www.amenuniversity.com/a/2147507004/WkPnZGu8
Brain Warriors Way -
https://www.amenuniversity.com/a/2147507005/WkPnZGu8
Memory Rescue -
https://www.amenuniversity.com/a/2147507007/WkPnZGu8
Overcoming Depression, Trauma & Grief
https://www.amenuniversity.com/a/2147507008/WkPnZGu8
Hurt people hurt people. What a profound statement. Don't compare your trauma to anyone else's.
References:
Where the Crawdads Sing-
https://amzn.to/3MkYqpo
Brain Scans-
https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/7-lessons-from-murderers-brain-scans/
Polyvagal Theory-
https://amzn.to/3SPgWIE
The Body Keeps the Score-
https://amzn.to/3T3vtjK
I share about my experience bowhunting in Arkansas. How this relates to PolyVagal Theory.
Vagal Stim training kit: https://www.dolphinmps.com/shop-now/?wpam_id=97
RELEASE your EXPECTATIONS. Forgive yourself. Apologize to your inner child and establish boundaries so that you feel safe.
Why we need to tune out and tune in. Quiet your mind. Your beliefs carry more power than your reality. What thoughts form your reality?
References:
Psalms 139:23
"One of the greatest gifts you can give anybody is the gift of your honest self." Fred Rogers
Psalms 46:10
Here's a bit of my story on what I did to heal. If you have questions on any particular modality, please email me at NaturalHealthNutrition@yahoo.com
Does your health not line up with your belief system? For me this was an enormous struggle because I internalized my illness and inability to get well was due to something I may have been doing wrong or brought on to myself. Even though being transparent was very scary to me, once I was finally able to be honest about how much I was struggling with illness, more healing came. Being more open has helped others to do so as well, I heard, "me too" more times than I could count. I had no idea because before I spent so much time strategizing on how I could keep up with life so that no one knew what kind of rough shape I was in.
Episode quotes:
"I would rather have a mind opened by wonder, than one closed by belief." Gerry Spence, American Lawyer & Writer
"We impress people with our strengths but connect with people in our weaknesses." Craig Groeschel, Pastor at Life.Church
"Comparison is the thief of joy." Craig Groeschel, Pastor at Life.Church
"Unless you get it, you don't get it." Marly Jones, Brain Health Coach & Naturopath
Growing up in Alberta Canada with health challenges from childhood and later getting lyme disease while horseback riding in Oklahoma. All the diagnosis labels and why they don’t matter!