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Topic: Tools & Practices

How to know which nervous system state you’re in

In this episode of the Heal with Grace podcast, Grace explores how to identify the state of your nervous system using the polyvagal theory. Introduced by Dr. Stephen Porges in 1994, the polyvagal theory categorises the nervous system into three states: ventral vagal (green zone), sympathetic (yellow zone), and dorsal vagal (red zone). Grace explains how each state impacts mental, physical, and emotional health and provides practical tips on how to move between these states effectively. Emphasising self-care and understanding individual responses, the episode offers insights into maintaining a balanced and regulated nervous system for overall well-being.

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What to do when you’re feeling stuck in healing

The episode emphasizes the non-linear nature of healing, the importance of being present in the process rather than fixated on outcomes, and offers practical tips for moving through stuckness, such as making intentional shifts, reflecting through journaling, and avoiding rash decisions. In this episode, I share a personal journey of struggling with resistance and feeling stuck in various aspects of life, including health and daily activities. I describe how attempts to power through tasks often lead to increased fatigue and brain fog, signaling deeper emotions that need addressing. 

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Why journaling is important and how to use it

In this episode of the Heal With Grace podcast, I dive into the importance and transformative power of journaling for personal healing. Covering its benefits in mental and physical health, the episode emphasizes journaling as a tool for self-expression and reflection, aiding in the process of bringing subconscious thoughts and emotions to the conscious level. I discuss the concept of expressive writing, share research evidence supporting its positive impact on various health conditions, and present different methods and tips for effective journaling practices. These include the expressive writing protocol by Dr. James Pennebaker and Journal Speak by Nicole Sachs, tailored for individuals dealing with chronic pain or seeking deep emotional healing. The episode aims to guide listeners on how to utilize journaling as a safe, private means to explore their inner world and facilitate a journey towards recovery and self-understanding.

Show Resources:

Nichole Saches Journal Speak

Dr. Pennebaker journal study

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How to use visualization for healing

In this episode we delve into the underestimated practice of visualisation and its significance in the healing journey, exploring both the scientific studies and practical guidance on how to effectively utilise this technique for health and vitality. I explain how the brain cannot differentiate between real and visualised experiences, thereby offering an opportunity to influence the body's response and initiate healing. I discuss chronic conditions, the root causes being stress and a dysregulated brain and body, and how visualisation can shift perceptions of pain and symptoms. I provide evidence from studies showing the effectiveness of guided imagery in pain management and stress reduction. Furthermore, I give detailed instructions on visualising for soothing the amygdala to reduce fear and anxiety, improving functional status, and rewiring food sensitivities, emphasising the practice of visualisation as a powerful tool for self-empowerment and resilience in healing.

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How to use breathwork to calm the nervous system

This episode delves into the significance of breathwork in the healing journey, emphasising its role in regulating the nervous system and achieving presence. With my background in yoga and meditation, I explain that breathwork is more than basic breath control; it's a conscious practice that can restore balance within the body and mind, and even alter the body's stress response.

I also include the scientific basis of breathwork, citing studies on its benefits such as enhancing parasympathetic activity, managing pain, and regulating emotions. My personal anecdotes and practical guides on breathwork practices are shared, demonstrating its accessibility and effectiveness in daily life. My session concludes with a guided breathwork and encouragement to incorporate breathwork into routine self-care for improved well-being.

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Healing POTS & Hypermobility Through the Vagus Nerve and Shame Resiliency

Welcome to Episode 16 of the Heal with Grace Podcast, featuring a special guest, Kendel Lipe, a multifaceted expert who uniquely combines her expertise in physical therapy, chronic illness health coaching, biomedical engineering, and integrative manual therapy. 

Kendel shares her personal journey from being bedridden to thriving despite the challenges posed by Ehlers Danlos syndrome. This episode offers invaluable insights into the power of diet, exercise, manual therapy, and meditation in unlocking our inherent healing potential.

In this podcast episode, Kendel and I discuss:

  • Kendel's transition from engineering to specializing in physical therapy for chronic conditions, emphasizing a holistic and manual therapy approach.
  • Understanding Ehlers Danlos syndrome and its relationship with hypermobility, including the spectrum of symptoms that can lead individuals to seek help.
  • The significance of the nervous system in managing chronic conditions and practical strategies for engaging the parasympathetic nervous system to promote healing and well-being.
  • Kendel's exploration of craniosacral and visceral work as innovative methods to listen to the body's cues and facilitate healing from within.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of chronic illnesses, seeking to understand their body better, and exploring holistic approaches to health. Kendel's journey and insights demonstrate the importance of advocating for oneself, embracing our bodies' wisdom, and finding personalized pathways to healing.

Resources:

Connect with Kendall:

Kendel Lipe is a physical therapist, chronic illness health coach, biomedical engineer and integrative manual therapist. About 10 years ago, Kendal went from thriving to bed-ridden, struck by symptoms she now knows to be associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Specific types of diet, exercise, manual therapy and meditation helped me to get back to thriving. Through that journey, Kendel devoted herself to learning everything she could (and still learning more every day!) so that she can help those going through similar journeys to access their own inherent healing potential.

Kendel does virtual PT and coaching for people around the world:

Website: Roots Integrative Physical Therapy

Instagram 

Email: dr.kendel@roots-integrative.com

How to work with Grace:

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4 Mistakes You’re Making in Regulating Your Nervous System

Welcome to Episode 6 of the "Heal with Grace" Podcast. In this episode, I dive into the common mistakes we often make while learning to regulate our nervous system. My aim is not to point out faults but to provide valuable insights that can aid in your journey towards self-connection and nervous system regulation.

In this episode, I discuss:

  • Understanding why making small, gradual changes is more beneficial for your nervous system than overhauling your life with numerous health practices.
  • How adhering strictly to certain health rules and routines can add stress and hinder your progress, and the importance of flexibility.
  •  The crucial role of internal mental and emotional health in driving physical dysregulation and the importance of addressing these alongside physical symptoms.
  •  Examining how your immediate environment and lifestyle choices play a significant role in nervous system regulation and overall well-being.

Resources:Mind-Body Healing Method: https://www.elevatetherapywellness.com/mindbody-healing-method

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