Podcast Summary
Applying Neurology for Brain Training: By focusing on retraining the brain to perform its natural functions, we can improve overall nervous system health and reduce symptoms through applied neurology assessments and addressing compensations.
The nervous system, which governs and regulates all functions of the body, is essential to our overall well-being. Applying neurology, a low-tech approach to brain training, focuses on retraining the brain to perform functions it's already supposed to do. Assessments in applied neurology are zero-technology and evaluate various aspects of the nervous system, such as visual function, balance, motor control, and breathing. Compensations in the nervous system, which can lead to pain and symptoms, occur when one part of the system takes on a function it's not meant to handle. By identifying and addressing these compensations, we can improve overall function and reduce the load on the nervous system. Matt Busch, an internationally recognized teacher of applied neuro, explains these concepts and more in the Trauma Rewired podcast conversation.
Overlooking crucial visual skills can impact overall movement and coordination: Addressing visual system deficits through targeted exercises can improve movement and unlock new abilities
The body can compensate for nervous system deficits in various ways, often resulting in limited mobility or coordination. For instance, visual deficits can lead to full-body guarding and lack of athletic movement. Eye doctors typically assess only some visual skills, leaving others unchecked. These overlooked skills are crucial for tracking moving objects, switching targets, and adjusting focus quickly. By addressing these deficits through targeted exercises, individuals can improve their overall movement and coordination, unlocking new abilities and experiences. For instance, a non-athletic person may discover a hidden talent for playing catch with their family after addressing their visual system deficits.
Neurological imbalances impact posture and structure: Neurological issues in the visual system or inner ear can lead to postural compensations, structural changes, and conditions like scoliosis. Prioritizing clear vision can result in permanent changes, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying causes.
Neurological imbalances in the visual system or inner ear can lead to postural compensations and structural changes in the body, potentially resulting in conditions such as scoliosis. The brain prioritizes clear vision and discards blurry images, leaving individuals with monovision and poor depth perception on the affected side. Over time, these postural changes can become permanent, leading to facial asymmetry and other neurological imbalances. It's crucial to address these underlying issues to prevent further damage and potential surgical interventions. The case of a 19-year-old female with scoliosis highlights the importance of considering the visual system and inner ear in treating such conditions.
Looking Beyond Average in Health and Vision: Neurology encourages us to strive for improvement beyond average, recognizing and addressing neurological imbalances or deficits to prevent harm and unlock limitless potential for growth and transformation.
The concept of "average" in health and vision, as determined by the Western medical paradigm, may be limiting. Applied neurology encourages us to look beyond average and strive for improvement. For instance, 20/20 vision is considered average, but it's possible to see beyond that with proper training. The same applies to other aspects of health and well-being. The goal is to recognize and address neurological imbalances or deficits to prevent further compensation and potential harm. The science of neurology instills hope that one can be more than their current state, whether it's pain, trauma, or symptoms. Achieving a "one pain-free repetition" - like standing on one leg and catching a ball with one eye - can shift one's identity and paradigm, demonstrating the limitless potential for growth and transformation.
Expanding beyond average and overcoming challenges: Only 11-12% of athletic potential is genetic, the rest comes from training and environment. Prioritize safety and addressing threats to the nervous system to unlock full potential.
Our lives and abilities are not limited by our current pain or perceived deficits. Expanding beyond average and overcoming challenges is crucial for maintaining the health of our brains and bodies. While some deficits may be inherited, a significant portion develops due to lack of developmental stimulus or personal choices. Geneticists estimate that only around 11-12% of athletic potential is genetic, with the remaining 88-90% being due to training and environment. Similarly, deficits can stem from injuries or missed developmental windows. It's essential to recognize that both nature and nurture play a role in shaping our abilities. Additionally, prioritizing safety and addressing threats to the nervous system can significantly impact our overall well-being. The idea of threat in the nervous system is essential to understand, and episodes 1 and 2 of this season provide great references. By focusing on expanding our capabilities, utilizing the right environment, and ensuring our nervous system feels safe, we can unlock our full potential.
Nervous system prioritizes survival over performance: Minimizing threats to nervous system allows optimal performance and full potential, while ignoring symptoms can lead to physiological damage.
Our nervous system prioritizes survival over performance. When our nervous system perceives threats, it triggers protective mechanisms such as pain, anxiety, or depression, which can hinder our ability to perform at our best in various aspects of life, including athletics, cognition, and social interactions. To achieve optimal performance, it's crucial to minimize or eliminate these survival outputs by addressing the underlying threats or stressors. Pushing through pain or symptoms can lead to physiological damage, including inflammation, adrenaline dump, and cortisol bathing, which negatively impact muscle growth, fat burning, and overall energy levels. By focusing on reducing threats and allowing our nervous system to prioritize performance outputs, we can unlock our full potential and be our best selves.
Living in prolonged pain or stress can lead to detrimental effects on physical and emotional health.: One month of retraining is needed for every year spent in pain or stress to regain balance. Healing from trauma involves leaving the traumatic identity behind and creating a new, healthy one. Vagus nerve training can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being through various techniques.
Living in a state of prolonged pain or stress, often associated with trauma, can have detrimental effects on both the physical and emotional aspects of our bodies. This survival mode, characterized by cortisol and adrenaline release, can lead to increased inflammation, oxidization, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The resulting sleep disturbances and hormonal imbalances can further hinder recovery and overall health. On the bright side, our brains naturally desire health and well-being. For every year spent in pain or symptoms, approximately one month of retraining is required to regain balance. In the emotional realm, healing from trauma does not necessitate a lifelong commitment to rehabilitation. Instead, the goal is to leave the traumatic identity behind and create a new, healthy one. Vagus nerve training, a popular topic, can benefit everyone. However, it's crucial to understand that vagus nerve training encompasses various techniques aimed at strengthening the vagus nerve's connection to the brain and body. These practices can help improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Understanding the Vagus Nerve and Its Role in Training: While some practices labeled as 'vagus nerve training' may not directly involve the vagus nerve, it's crucial to distinguish between vagus nerve-specific practices and those that primarily affect the nervous system, ensuring accurate information and effective care.
While the vagus nerve is a crucial part of the nervous system, not everything labeled as "vagus nerve training" truly involves the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve, which means "wandering nerve," is the largest cranial nerve and is responsible for controlling and sensing visceral organ activity, making up about 80% of internal bodily sensations. It's essential to differentiate between vagus nerve-specific practices and those that affect the nervous system more broadly, such as visualization, meditation, or tapping techniques. These methods can still be effective in downregulating the sympathetic nervous system, but they don't necessarily involve the vagus nerve directly. It's essential to understand this distinction to ensure that individuals receive accurate information and appropriate care.
Vagus Nerve Training: Balance is Key: Assess individual needs for vagus nerve training, as everyone's nervous system functions differently. Some people might require inhibition instead of activation.
While vagus nerve training can be beneficial for some individuals, it's essential to understand that everyone's nervous system functions differently. Overactivation of the vagus nerve is not always desirable, and some people might require inhibition instead. The nervous system aims to maintain a specific balance, known as homeostasis, and imbalances can lead to problems. For instance, a highly activated vagus nerve can cause stress symptoms like tightness, constricted feelings, excessive sweating, clammy hands or feet, nausea, dizziness, and even dissociation. Therefore, it's crucial to assess individual needs and tailor vagus nerve training accordingly, whether it's activation or inhibition. Misconceptions and expansive definitions of vagus nerve training contribute to the belief that everyone needs more of it, potentially worsening the situation for those who require inhibition. Real-life examples include individuals who have experienced COVID-19 and need to downregulate their vagus nerve. In summary, vagus nerve training is necessary, but not everyone needs more activation; some people might benefit from inhibition or calming mechanisms.
Neurological Effects of COVID-19: Top 10 Symptoms and Solutions: COVID-19's neurological effects, including long COVID, impact the sympathetic nervous system, causing symptoms like cardiac issues, breathing problems, pain, dizziness, and blurry vision. Training programs using neuroeducation and targeted exercises can help individuals recover within 12-16 weeks.
The neurological effects of COVID-19, particularly long COVID, are significant and multifaceted. The speaker at Next Level Neuro has been working in this area since early 2020 and has identified the top ten symptoms as being related to dysregulation of the sympathetic nervous system. This dysregulation can lead to a disconnect in communication within the brain and an ongoing inflammatory process, causing various symptoms such as cardiac issues, breathing problems, pain, dizziness, and blurry vision. The speaker's team has developed training programs to address these symptoms using neuroeducation and targeted exercises. They have had a high success rate, with most individuals recovering within 12 to 16 weeks. The sympathetic nervous system and vagus nerve are key areas of focus, as they play a role in both the neurology of COVID-19 and trauma. The speaker is looking forward to further exploring the neurology of trauma and how to interact with the nervous system on a subconscious level to make it feel safe and reduce reactive moments or symptoms.
Understanding Trauma and the Nervous System with Elizabeth Kristoff and the Weller's: Learn about the 4 F's of trauma responses, including Fawn, and expand your practice as a healer, practitioner, coach, or therapist by becoming a Neuro Somatic Intelligence Coach. Accessible insights into complex topics like trauma, the nervous system, and the vagus nerve.
The neurology of trauma is a crucial aspect of healing and personal growth, and it's accessible to everyone. In this series of conversations, Elizabeth Kristoff, Matt, and Melanie Weller will dive deeper into the 4 F's of trauma responses, including Fawn, which is often misunderstood. As a healer, practitioner, coach, or therapist, you can expand your practice by becoming a Neuro Somatic Intelligence Coach and learning effective, easy tools to help your clients heal from trauma. Don't miss out on this opportunity to bridge the gap in your understanding of neurology and trauma. Subscribe to the podcast to stay informed and join the conversation in the ethers. Trauma, the nervous system, and the vagus nerve are complex topics, but this trio will break it down in an accessible way. Don't miss out on the other 3 F's of trauma responses. Stay tuned!
