Dynamic Healing with David Hanscom MD and Les Aria PhD

Joy is at the core of living a good and rewarding life. In order to achieve this state you must learn to be vulnerable, which we inherently don’t tolerate well. A major defense against feeling vulnerable (anxious) is mental rigidity. You cannot feel and maintain joy unless you feel safe. Join David Hanscom, MD and Les Aria, Ph.D as they explore ways to increase the joy in your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why We Pursue a stronger ego to address these three issues.  Survival Reactions and Emotional Triggers Our survival responses trigger unpleasant emotions like anxiety and anger to indicate potential threats. In nature, once a danger passes, animals can relax and recover. However, humans often continue to ruminate, keeping the body in a state of tension. This can blur the line between our survival instincts and our identity, leading us to believe that these reactions define us. Lifetime Programming Societal expectations, often through guilt, intimidation, and shame, condition us from childhood. We’re rewarded for behavior that others deem “good” and criticized for behavior they view as “bad.” This conditioning contributes to an ongoing pursuit of self-esteem, shaping our identity and ego. When we fail to meet these standards, it can trigger feelings of inadequacy. Our Competitive Nature Humans are wired to compete for resources, achievements, and social standing. This drive can lead us to build an ego that appears strong and invulnerable. Unfortunately, maintaining this persona can isolate us from genuine connection, as meaningful relationships require vulnerability. Without resources or opportunities to compete, some people may “drop out,” developing an identity shaped by negative self-perceptions. When we defend our ego, we exacerbate obsessive thought patterns, which are activated and reinforced as RUTS (Repetitive Unpleasant Thoughts). Conscious efforts to overcome these patterns are often unsustainable because our intentions do not match the powerful, ingrained distortions that create many of our thoughts.  The key to "dissolving" these rigid patterns lies in specific principles. First, separation through awareness allows us to step back and observe these patterns without identifying with them. It’s important to recognize that these thoughts and distortions are not who you are; rather, they create a disconnection from your true self and from others. By identifying and acknowledging cognitive distortions, you begin to loosen their grip.  Ultimately, the process of awareness itself is transformative—it brings clarity, disconnects you from harmful patterns, and opens the door to healthier, more authentic ways of thinking and being. Les Aria, PhD – Mendahealth.com David Hanscom, MD – Backincontrol.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Les Aria and Dr. David Hanscom explore the intertwined nature of physical and emotional pain, emphasizing their shared neurological pathways, distinct characteristics, and the need for holistic approaches to address both types effectively. Les Aria, PhD – pain psychologist and founding member Menda - www.menda.health. David Hanscom, MD – orthopedic spine surgeon and author – www.backinconrol.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many concepts about the meaning of the word, “love.” However, Anthony DeMello, in his book, The Way to Love, condenses it down to one word, “awareness.” Awareness is “being fully present in the moment you are in.” Anytime you are anxious or angry, you are connected to the past and have lost awareness. However, since we are programmed to survive, mentally and physically, we are always on the lookout for danger. These reactions are not controllable, and it requires tools to process them and then being in the present can emerge. Awareness is at the core of successful human relationships, yet close relationships are the most powerful triggers. Instead of being an opportunity to heal, they often are an additional source of stress (pain). Today, we are just focusing on the word, “awareness” as the word for love. How can you positively interact with someone or solve problems without being aware of who they are and how the world may look through their eyes? How can you listen if you are already projecting your opinion onto them? Anthony DeMello suggests that awareness may be all you need to heal. He is probably correct. These concepts are particularly relevant to close relationships in context of being in chronic mental/ physical pain. Get the book The Way to Love by Anthony DeMello Find out more about David Hanscom MD Les Aria, PhD Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a term that has many connotations, and most people feel the term does not apply to them. In fact, many if not most people experience unpleasant and disruptive thoughts that detract from their quality of life. They are a manifestation of chronic anxiety, which is a physiological state of threat. It does not respond to rational interventions, as it all arises from the subconscious brain. There are many manifestations of OCD, with there being both external behaviors and internal “mental battles.” One reason people don’t feel the diagnosis doesn’t apply to them is because they are not aware of “internal OCD.” There are no outward manifestations and there are repetitive disruptive thoughts and counter-thoughts.   “OCD is like having a bully stuck inside of your head and nobody else can see.” Krissy McDermott   This episode will discuss the traditional diagnosis and clinical presentation and then point out that a better term might be, “obsessive thought patterns” that are disruptive. David Hanscom did experience severe “internal OCD” for over 15 years and managed to solve it. We will discuss the nature of the solutions in future podcasts. Obsessive thought patterns are a big problem for a given person and it may be a societal epidemic.  Find out more about David Hanscom, MD here Les Aria, PhD. Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our thoughts and actions are processed by the nervous system, which sends out instructions to every cell in the body how to respond. If the input is unpleasant or overstimulating, your body will sense danger and produce a stress response. You will feel anxious, agitated, and your pain will increase. What you CHOOSE to load into your nervous system translates into a physiological response of safety or threat.  Your brain will develop wherever you place your attention. It is the reason why we make the following suggestions as foundational to healing. Never discuss your pain with anyone, especially your close family – ever! The only exception is when you are checking in with your health care providers Don’t discuss your medical care Avoid complaining – about anything. If you have a problem, deal with the situation directly. Don’t give unasked-for advice or be critical. This is particularly true regarding your partner and children.  Malicious gossip will fire up your nervous system. Limit your time watching the news. Allow yourself a limited amount time per day. It is important to know what is going on, but there is no benefit to remaining agitated about situations you have no control over.   One of the cornerstones of healing is becoming aware of the nature of your input, understanding the effects on your mental and physical health, and being proactive in your choices.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You have more say over your quality of life than you might think. The choices you make stimulate neuroplastic changes in your brain that become embedded with repetition. Humans’ brains develop by interacting with other humans. This is a much different programming process than the development of other mammals’ brains. Every move and decision you make today is determined by the sum total of your past experiences. Most of our programming is unconscious and not our choice. So, we are at the mercy of our past.   To change it, you must first become aware of your past programming and how it is playing out. Then you have to ask the question, “What do you actually want your life to look like?” Do you want to remain in old familiar patterns or create new ones? Today the topic is to understand the necessity of awareness in order to make choices. How are you appearing to the world and yourself in difficult moments?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psychologically flexibility is the opposite of what most of us possess. There is a human tendency to reinforce our views of the world and affirm them. It requires a lot of ongoing energy. ACT teaches you how to become more open to new ideas and creativity. This episode focuses on choose,” which is the final phase of this three-step process. ·       Catch – noticing a shift in sensation or mood ·       Check – identify it and create some “space” ·       Choose – you then have a choice of a more appropriate response instead of an automatic survival one.   Your incredibly adaptable brain will develop wherever you choose to place your attention. It’s not hard to make decisions once you know what your values are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Purpose: In order to stimulate your brain to change (neuroplasticity) you must first know exactly where you are at. The first step is to “catch” and notice that there is a change. Then the second step is, “check” where you recognize what the change is (creating some “space”), and then choose where you want to go. Today we will be discussing the “check” phase of reprogramming your brain. Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. Viktor Frankl There are two parts of healing that are equally important. It is a dynamic process. ·        Learning tools to effectively process stress will allow you to break free from your powerful automatic survival reactions. ·        Once you have let go, then the healing occurs from stimulating circuits to form in your brain that are enjoyable. This is the essence of neuroplasticity, and it happens quickly in whatever direction you choose. “Check” the step where you create some “space” between your stress and reaction and then you are able to substitute a better response. You have to know where you are starting before you can change direction. What is “check?” ·        Conceptualize it How to accomplish it?   Why is it so important? ·        Reactive vs creative ·        Need to get back into the neocortex   Practical tools ·        Expressive writing ·        Mindfulness ·        Welcome in the unwelcome ·        Principles behind other tools   Chronic pain is a neurological problem and is solvable by using proven methods to change the structure of your brain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is a mindfulness-based behavioral intervention that helps us live in the present moment using values to move towards what matters the most to you in life. You are moving away from pain. It provides practical ways to unhook from the storylines of your mind. The approach reduces your suffering from emotional and physical pain. Changing your relationship to adversity allows you to minimize your suffering. It is a learned skill that represented by “3 C’s” that will teach you to be psychologically flexible. Catch – Awareness - what’s showing up in your fishbowl (mind)?  Check - How hooked/hijacked is your nervous system? Where is your “willingness” dial? Which is higher? Your willingness dial or your resistance one?  Choose - How you wish to show up or be towards yourself, others, or your situation during difficult moments/experiences? What do you stand for? What is one small action or step I can take to align with my values. But you cannot choose until you create some “space” with the first two steps. We will be discussing the first “C” in this episode. You will learn to sense when you are not connected to the present moment and recognize your instinctive reaction to push unpleasant emotions away. “Catch” is the opposite action where you allow them into your consciousness and where you can process them.  2nd Annual Pain Summit Please join us for our 2nd Annual Pain Summit on February 26th and 27th where some of the original founders of this approach will be discussing these concepts. Here is the link to the event. David and Les would love to hear from you about today's podcast and ideas for future topics. You can email them at: david-les@dynamichealingpodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) can provide you with practical ways to unhook from the storylines of your mind. The approach reduces your suffering from emotional and physical pain. ACT is a mindfulness-based behavioral intervention helping us live in the present moment using values to move towards what matters the most to you in life. You are moving away from pain. ACT understands that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. If you fight pain, your suffering worsens. Changing your relationship to adversity allows you to minimize your suffering. It is a learned skill that represented by “3 C’s” that will teach you to be psychologically flexible. 2nd Annual Pain Summit Please join us for our 2nd Annual Pain Summit on February 26th and 27th where some of the original founders of this approach will be discussing these concepts. Here is the link to the event. David and Les would love to hear from you about today's podcast and ideas for future topics. You can email them at: david-les@dynamichealingpodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emotional and physical pain share neurological circuits in the brain and chronic activation of them is unpleasant. Since we don’t want to feel pain, we suppress it, which fires up the nervous system and your flight or fight response. Over time, we become more and more determined (and rigid) to not feel pain and it is a losing battle.  A key to solving chronic pain is learning to quit fighting it, be with it, and let it dissipate. However, it does require learning approaches to allow you to tolerate feeling uncomfortable, as emotional pain can be intolerable.  ACT is a way of a learning to be with uncomfortable feelings and developing psychological flexibility. It is the foundation of Dr. Aria’s practice. He discusses the basis of it and how to bring these concepts into your daily life. He presents “The 3 C’s” – Catch, Check, and Choose. You can begin to use these tools today. David and Les would love to hear from you about today's podcast and ideas for future topics. You can email them at: david-les@dynamichealingpodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remorse is a factor in keeping you moving forward into the life you want. It is the flip side of FOMO (fear of missing out), both of which are embedded thought patterns and don’t respond well to rational interventions. It is also unique to human consciousness.  The Problem Remorse is a common almost universal trait.  It is a problem in that the time and energy spent on missed opportunities keeps your nervous system and body fired up, drains you of your vital energies, and greatly compromises your quality of the life you have.   Solutions Be aware of the fact that embedded thought patterns are not “solvable.” By fighting or fixing them, you’ll reinforce them. You have to stimulate your brain to change (neuroplasticity). Neuroplasticity  Awareness –  understand the nature of obsessive thought patterns – inner critics Role of anger keeping these circuits fired up Separation –  expressive writing  breath work  welcome in the unwelcome Reprogramming – enjoying the life you have is a learned skill Deep gratitude Mindfulness, active meditation What do you want today? “Live life like you are 20”   To have a good life, you have to live a good life.  David and Les would love to hear from you about today's podcast and ideas for future topics. You can email them at: david-les@dynamichealingpodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Because change is challenging for majority of us, New Year's resolutions often fail to realize change takes time. Like growing something you planted, a fruit tree will take years to mature and consistently bear fruit. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers solutions to guide us through the process of change, that is, our New Year’s resolutions. A core aspect of ACT is becoming aware of and defining your values and then engaging in behaviors that create neuroplastic changes in your brain. It entails being “psychologically flexible” as opposed to being rigid and self-critical. You choose to behave in a manner consistent with your values understanding that you will “fail” every day. But the values will remain, and you can keep moving in that direction.   By determining or redefining who or what is important to you a.k.a. values… We apply an intrinsic ability to motivate ourselves versus doing things because we have to wear a “shirt” that is outside of us. Consider a fishing rod with a dangling carrot. What you move towards is where true healing occurs. You have to live a good life in order to have a good life.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is a common pattern of thinking in modern times. Why in the face of so much prosperity is it so prevalent? Understanding that is a manifestation of your unconscious self-critical voice and this it is irrational is the first stepping in successfully dealing with it.  This session will discuss: ·      The neurological nature of the problem – it is an embedded thinking pattern. ·      How they emanate from the unconscious brain and not responsive to rational interventions. ·      That it is an endless driver of envy and creating a need for self-esteem to combat it. ·      They are one of the self-critical voices that are trying to protect you. ·      Some principles of effective approach: o  Education o  Gratitude is a nurtured trait – not positive thinking § Can’t outrun your mind – no end point ·      Some examples § Drop the battle o  Expressive writing o  Welcome in the unwelcome o  Connect to the moment you are in. Summary: Live the life you have with connection and purpose instead of constantly pursuing the life you think you need to be happier. Get happy first then the life you want will emerge. It is a learned and cultivated skill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emotional pain and physical pain have overlapping circuits in the brain. They play off each other. People in pain are more sensitive to social rejection and social rejection makes the pain worse. Loneliness has profound effects on your mental and physical health. This situation is magnified during the Holiday Season. By understanding the nature of the problem, there are potential solutions that will not only help you through the Holidays but will move you forward on your healing journey. The starting point is being nice to yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What truly brings you joy and how can you fully experience it? These tips can enhance your capacity to connect to other people close to you. In this episode, we’ll be discussing the last three tips to help you thrive during the Holidays. ·      Being in the Present Moment is Key to Being Peaceful o  47% of the time our mind wanders, and we get caught-up in the mind’s story lines. o  Metaphor: Being in the middle of the tornado helps us watch and respond versus get caught-up and destroy peace in us and between others/situations. ·      Setting Boundaries o  Definition: What is okay and what is not okay o  Be clear with your Yes or No’s (say what you mean and mean what you say) ·      Pacing o   “Boom & Bust Syndrome” o  Intentionally pacing your breathing during difficult moments. It is also a tool to use all year.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is ironic that we treasure having major holidays with the spirit of love and giving, yet there are many ways that they can be incredibly draining. Much of the “Holiday Spirit” is created by the marketing world and is not a lot of people’s reality. In this episode, we’ll be discussing the need to be realistic and also communicate. You can capture the Holiday Spirit. Here are 7 Tips from Dr. David Hanscom and Dr. Les Aria for not just Surviving the Holidays but Enjoying the Holidays.    1. Values  2. Morning Routine 3. Be Realistic  4. Communicate - practice listening with your value(s) 5. Be present in conversations (use diffusion - separating from thoughts) 6. Clear Boundaries in communication and foods 7. Pace Yourself - in thoughts, gifts, actions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learning psychological skills is key to surviving, not just using your breathwork or meditation, or exercise –but using tools that provide effective outcomes to help you be your best and safest this holiday season. Dr. David Hanscom and Dr. Les Aria provide tips on todays episode that will help you become more psychologically flexible, which leads to safety versus threat, which is psychological inflexibility. Learning to connect with your thoughts/emotions with physical sensations is key. Being psychologically flexible means: waking up, loosening up and stepping up. Being around family members and certain people can easily activate our old storylines and memories. When your mind hooks you, what do you do? How does it cost you?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Humans evolved to our current state at the top of the food chain through cooperation. It is one of the main reasons that social connection is so critical. The deeper the connection, the better; except family triggers are the most powerful and destructive. This problem is accentuated during the Holidays where hope and expectations for connection are high, and it is even more painful when these potentially wonderful gatherings blow up. Being aware of the strength and nature of these primitive triggers, increases your chances of navigating them and having a wonderful Holiday Season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Francis Peabody was a famous physician who possessed a deep understanding of the need for a strong patient/ doctor relationship. He clearly understood the interaction of patient with his or her circumstances in creating symptoms. His 1927 lecture, “The Care of the Patient” is the basis for this Dynamic Healing podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By understanding that anxiety and anger are automatic hardwired reactions, you can develop a “working relationship” with them. Then, instead of spending energy trying to change them, you are free to connect with the part of your brain that knows how to have fun and thrive.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your body can remain alive without consciousness. Homo sapiens are the only species that possess advanced language and abstract thinking. Every other species is hardwired to avoid threats and seek safety and they don’t have to think about it. The mind and body are a single unit.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Staying alive is a dynamic process. The body adapts to the environment every second by processing data from innumerable sensors sending data to your brain. Signals are sent out to ensure your survival. When your stresses are overwhelming and you feel under threat, your body responds with a flight or fight response. Multiple mental and physical symptoms are created. Dynamic healing addresses this root cause of illness and chronic disease can be effectively treated and often solved.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A fundamental concept in neuroscience and human consciousness is that our judgments and views of the world often reflect our internal state. In other words, when we judge others harshly, we are frequently projecting aspects of ourselves onto them. This cyclical nature of self-judgment and external judgment perpetuates negativity in both directions. Connect with David Hanscom, MD Connect with Les Aria, Ph.D Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We tend to view our life view as the correct one and become upset when confronted with conflicting evidence. This perspective becomes embedded in our nervous system with repetition and time, and we develop mental rigidity. Quote: Here are some thought-provoking quotes that address the impact of mental rigidity on life perspective and overall quality of life: Albert Einstein: “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” Define Mental Rigidity Mental rigidity is a cognitive state characterized by an inflexible, closed mindset that resists change, adaptation, or new perspectives. Individuals with mental rigidity often struggle to consider alternative viewpoints, adapt to new information, or adjust their beliefs or behaviors in response to evolving circumstances. This rigid way of thinking can lead to difficulty coping with life's challenges, missed opportunities for growth, and strained relationships, as it limits one's ability to see beyond a narrow, fixed perspective. In essence, mental rigidity prevents a person from embracing the flexibility and open-mindedness necessary for personal development and resilience. Mental rigidity is a core trait spanning almost every mental health scenario. Why? Mental rigidity is often present in psychological diagnoses because it represents an underlying difficulty in adapting thoughts, behaviors, or emotions to changing circumstances, which is a core aspect of many mental health conditions. Here are a few reasons why: Resistant Patterns of Thinking: Conditions like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder often involve repetitive, rigid thinking patterns. For example, individuals with depression may fixate on negative beliefs, while those with OCD may be stuck in cycles of intrusive thoughts and compulsions. These patterns make it hard to adopt new perspectives or shift focus. Difficulty Adapting to Change:Many psychological conditions are rooted in the struggle to cope with or adjust to change. For instance, those with generalized anxiety disorder may find it hard to adapt their expectations, leading to constant worry about potential future events. In personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, rigid thought patterns can lead to extreme emotional reactions and impulsivity. Avoidance and Control: Rigidity often arises from a desire to control or avoid difficult emotions and situations, common in diagnoses like PTSD. Here, individuals may engage in rigid avoidance patterns to prevent traumatic memories or feelings from resurfacing, reinforcing inflexibility in coping mechanisms. Reinforcement of Negative Beliefs: In many cases, rigid beliefs perpetuate symptoms. For example, individuals with social anxiety may hold onto the belief that they will be judged negatively in social settings, reinforcing their avoidance of these situations and further solidifying the rigidity of their mindset. Biological and Neurological Factors: Certain psychological conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia, may involve neurological differences that contribute to rigid thought patterns. These can affect cognitive flexibility, making it harder to shift attention or reframe thinking. Ultimately, mental rigidity is often both a symptom and a reinforcing factor in psychological diagnoses. It limits emotional and cognitive flexibility, making it difficult for individuals to break out of unhelpful patterns and move toward healthier perspectives and behaviors. David Hanscom, MD – www.backincontrol.com Les Aria, PhD – www.menda.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast looks at gratitude as a powerful tool in regulating your flight or fight physiology to that of safety. You are allowing your body to heal itself. However, gratitude is not a bypass to counteract threat physiology, which has to be addressed as a separate, but linked effort. To have a good life, you must live a good life. It takes practice and nurturing gratitude is one of the core concepts. Catch the Gratitude wave! Sign up to see the film for free https://mindbodyspirit.fm/showcase/gratitude/ Connect with David Hanscom, MD here Les Aria PhD Pain Psychologist Find books from Dr. David Hanscom and other MindBOdySpirit.fm podcast hosts in the online store Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Les Aria, PhD and David Hanscom , MD are hosting a special guest, Dr. Michael Stein.  Michael Stein, MD is an award-winning author of six novels and four books of non-fiction. He is professor of health policy at the Boston University School of Public Health and executive editor of PublicHealthPost.org. The book we are discussing in this episode is Accidental Kindness.  He is an internist who has looked at the effects of both positive and negative interactions with their physicians. Physicians are charged to care for their patients at the deepest level there are many forces that interfere with this interaction.  There are many actions we take that can be received as being kind or not. Kindness is not a concept that we are taught in our training. Yet the data shows it is not only a powerful healing force but is at the core of being a medical professional. We had a wonderful time listening to his thoughts and insights and he is well ahead of his time. Michael Stein M.D. find out more David Hanscom M.D. Les Aria, PhD Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although there are additional demands of the Holiday season there are additional stresses that can contribute to Holiday chaos. Creating an awareness of the triggers allows you to develop strategies to navigate them and enjoy your time with your family and friends.  The Holidays are stressful and although we all want to experience peace and joy, it is challenging to do so. So, dashed hopes and expectations make it even worse. There are ways to have a joyful Holiday season and understanding the factors that sabotage it are the first step. The key is learning to understand and process your triggers, regardless of the circumstances. Do You Really Need Spine Surgery? by Dr. David Hanscom Find other books by Dr. David Hanscom in the MindBodySpirit.fm online bookstore Find out more about Dr. David Hanscom here Dr. Les Aria Ph.D Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being triggered and stressed is so common during the holidays is so common that it is somewhat normalized. There are many ways to enjoy your family during this time of year regardless of their behaviors and your stresses. It is a season of peace and joy. Keep your perspective! Know you are an adult, and you have choices. Keep focused on who or what is important to you. How do you wish to show up for the holidays? Practicing the skills we discussed, especially noticing when you are triggered and doing something about it will help you keep your love, peace, and joy during the holidays. As always –be kind to yourself. Let the Holidays begin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love is more than a concept. It is a physiological state of safety – profoundly healing. Why? There are many types of love and here are five examples. The common link is being connected to yourself and others.  · Passionate love (Romantic love) · Family love · Friendship love · Mankind (human race) and things on this earth · Self Love Essence of chronic mental and physical disease is prolonged exposure to threat physiology. It is well documented that CHRONIC stress kills. Note the chemistry of love, which is the opposite of the physiology of chronic stress. Chemistry of love consists of: · Anti-inflammatory cytokines · Oxytocin – core hormone of love/ bonding – powerfully anti-inflammatory · Dopamine · Serotonin · Growth hormone · Anabolic The podcast finishes with an exercise to generate self-love on the run. Self-love is always the starting point. Be kind to yourself. Connect with David Hanscom, MD and Les Aria, PhD Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is common, if not the rule, for people in mental or physical pain to discuss it with anyone who will listen – especially their family. It wears people out and drives them away. An important aspect of healing is nurturing a close support system – connection and love. Discussing your pain blocks this critical step. David Hanscom, MD Les Aria, PhD Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is common, if not the rule, for people in mental or physical pain to discuss it with anyone who will listen – especially their family. It wears people out and drives them away. An important aspect of healing is nurturing a close support system. Not discussing your pain is a major step. Find out more about David Hanscom, MD Les Aria, Ph.D. Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All of us need to have a place where we feel safe and nurtured. Home is the place where this needs to happen. How safe do you feel in your own home. How does your family feel? How do your close friends feel around you?  But remember, the first place to feel safe is with yourself from your own mind. Once you can create this level of safety, you can create it in other areas. Then as your home and circle of friends feel safe, it works in the other direction. Connect with Dr. David Hanscom Les Aria, PhD Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the final episode of the PRT (Pain Reprocessing Therapy) series. There are many ways of calming down your nervous system, but the real healing occurs as you train your nervous to move into the life that you want. You can learn to create a felt sense of safety versus fear of your pain – mental or physical.  “To have a good life, you must live a good life.” David Hanscom REVIEW: What is Pain reprocessing therapy (PRT)?  PRT is an approach that trains the brain to reinterpret sensory input by (1) Breaking the pain-fear cycle and thereby (2) reducing or eliminating pain by training the brain to reprocess pain signals as safe.   What do we mean by creating more positive feelings and sensations towards your pain?   Besides reducing a person’s fear of their pain, PRT also aims to increase an overall feeling of safety - using the lens of safety.  We become conditioned to quickly engage in wanting to get rid of the pain that we spend all our awakening hours trying to do various things, including distracting ourselves or not even moving because we hurt. One of the goals of PRT is to help the person shift from “danger mode” to “safety mode.” The therapist can help the patient attend to pleasant sensations in their body (e.g., the breath) through a lens of positivity. Using your breath, self-compassion, imagery - and associated with pleasant feelings of something that mimics the body sensations (burning pain with hot tub). We become what we practice. What do you want? The goal of, “Getting rid of my pain” places your attention on the pain and it will continue to run the show. David Hanscom, MD Les Aria, Ph.D. Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unpleasant emotions are painful and no one wants to hurt. So, your brain represses it (unconscious response), or we suppress it (conscious act). You must first train yourself to feel your own pain before you can reprocess it. Quote: “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.” Sigmund Freud Emotional and physical pain share the same neurological circuits in your brain. Emotional pain has a bigger impact on your body in that you can’t escape your thoughts. Suppression/ repression is all we know, and it really fires up the threat response. It also causes the hippocampus (memory center) to shrink in size, and the amygdala (fear) to enlarge. In order to solve your pain, you have to first feel it. Awareness is at the core of healing. Then there are specific strategies that allow you to cope and reprocess your emotions. Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) encompasses most of these approaches. David Hanscom, MD Les Aria, PhD Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is focused on the third component of Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), which gently “leaning into your pain.” We tease out the difference between “mind over matter” compared to “being with your pain.” It is also much different than “accepting your pain.”  A central skill in in PRT is called “somatic tracking”, which addresses this specific need to “lean into your pain. The goal of somatic healing is to help the patient attend to pain sensations through a lens of safety. At the same time, you must be kind to yourself – you don’t have to like being in pain, and you must nurture you. Another view of this phase is to, “give up and move on.” Pay more attention to the rest of your life instead of your pain (classic phase of healing). Your pain circuits will atrophy and your capacity to enjoy life will grow. Find out more about the hosts of Dynamic Healing- David Hanscom, MD and Les Aria, PhD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second component of Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is gathering and reinforcing personalized evidence for the brain origins and reversibility of pain. One way to combat the belief that there is a “structural”/peripheral cause of the pain is by gathering as much counterevidence as possible – evidence reinforcing that the pain is actually due to central processes, as opposed to a structural problem in the body.  Indicators of centralized pain include:   Pain originating during a time of stress  Pain originating without injury  Inconsistencies in how pain presents Presenting with a variety of different somatic symptoms  Pain triggers that indicate centralized processes (e.g., social contexts, etc.)  The therapist and patient work together in a collaborative effort to gather and reinforce the evidence that their pain is not a function of underlying structural pathology. The therapist can assist the patient in developing an evidence sheet - a list of all the support that reinforces that patient’s pain is due to central processes. Find out about David Hanscom, MD and his books, products, and events here Les Aria, Ph.D. Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Medically Unexplained Symptoms” (MUS) is a term that came into use around 2002 that implied that your medical provider knows you are suffering, he or she is not sure why, and they will try to help you live the best you can with the pain (mental/physical). This is a deadly term in that it further takes away hope and nothing could be further from the truth.  There is always a reason for chronic symptoms. They are caused by the body’s stress chemistry. Understanding the nature of chronic mental and physical pain allows for solutions. A more accurate term would be “Medically Explained Symptoms” (MES). It has been shown that suffering from chronic pain has a similar effect on the quality of your life as having terminal cancer – except that is worse. You often don’t know the nature of the problem, and no one is offering viable solutions. A foundational component of Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is education. Chronic pain is a complex set of issues and all of them must be understood in order to successfully address them. There are several steps in the evolution of it. · Source · Sensitized · Memorized · The modifiers Find out more about David Hanscom, MD Les Aria, Ph.D. Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Understanding the nature of chronic pain and that mental and physical pain are essentially the same entity allows you to create new circuits in your brain and the pain will markedly diminish or resolve. However, there is a sequence that is important to acquire this knowledge and skill set called PRT (Pain Reprocessing Therapy). This podcast presents an overview of the five components that will be discussed in detail in future episodes.  Connect with David Hanscom, MD here Connect with Les Aria, PhD Pain Psychologist here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disruptive thoughts are commonly and somewhat lightly referred to as the “monkey mind.” It is not a joke and has a serious impact on our capacity to enjoy life. Since we can’t escape our thoughts, what do we do? There are three core aspects to calming down your racing thoughts – 1) separating/ diverting from them 2) lowering threat physiology 3) moving on. This episode will address ways to lower the threat physiology. There are many ways to calm down the body’s activated threat response by stimulating the calming effects of the 10th cranial nerve called the vagus nerve. Some of them include: · Breath work – many techniques · Music – unique to each individual · Rhythm/ dance · Humming – stimulates the 7th cranial nerve close to the vagus nerve · Rubbing forehead – stimulates the 5th cranial nerve and then the vagus nerve · SSP (safe and sound protocol) provides auditory cues of safety (8th cranial nerve) that powerfully stimulates the vagus nerve. These tools just last for a short time but are intended to be used enough that they become somewhat automatic. They are necessary to get your brain back “online” in order not to act out. Find out more about David Hanscom, MD here Find out more about Les Aria, PhD. Pain Psychologist here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people are frustrated by experiencing “unpleasant repetitive thoughts” (URT’s). There does not seem to be an endpoint and we feel trapped. There are three critical aspects of dealing with this perverse trickery of human consciousness. 1. Understand that anxiety is protective but not who you are 2. Separate from your thoughts and 3. Calm down your nervous system   It is a solvable problem by learning the skills to deal with these factors. There are ways to divert your thoughts, separate your identity from them, and calm yourself. This episode will address the nature of the problem and principles behind the solution. Solving this phenomenon will dramatically improve the quality of your life. Find out more about David Hanscom, MD here Les Aria, PhD. Pain Psychologist here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are delighted to talk to Lynne McTaggart. She is one of the central authorities on the new science and consciousness, is the award-winning author of seven books, including the worldwide bestsellers The Field, The Intention Experiment and The Power of Eight®.  Lynne McTaggart is cofounder of the international magazine What Doctors Don’t Tell You , the health expo Get Well, and the architect of the Intention Experiments, a web based “global laboratory” to test the power of intention to heal the world. A major aspect of deep healing is connecting to yourself, others, and the world around you. An even more powerful step is regaining your connection to life itself. This energy pulls you a long way from suffering. She has done an impressive amount of work in this area including developing a process of harnessing the power of social interaction in groups of eight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disruptive thoughts are universal and part of human consciousness. For many, they can become intense enough to compromise the quality of life. They arise from human’s need for mental control.  Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.  Viktor Frankl Disruptive disturbing thoughts are extremely common, and it is difficult to know what percent of the population experience them at a level that disrupts quality of life. They arise from the unconscious brain, are powerful, and not subject to rational control. However, they are so unpleasant that there is still a strong need to control them. They are worsened if you fight them and become independent circuits that we call, “phantom brain pain.” Even more frustrating it that if you try think positive thoughts such as being happy, your unconscious brain will again sabotage you, and you’ll end up sad.  In upcoming podcasts, the general approach to them will be discussed and then specific solutions. It is a solvable problem, but it does require specific tools. Find out more about David Hanscom, MD and his books, products, and events here Find out more about Les Aria, PhD and the next The Next Remedy Pain Recovery Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Nothing could be further from the truth and holding onto this concept is damaging. Research has shown that emotional pain is processed in overlapping circuits in the brain, and the physiological response is the same. Thoughts and concepts are sensory input and emotions are the sensations generated by your body’s physiological makeup. Anxiety is an activated threat response and relaxed is what you feel when you are safe. There are many strategies to process threats in a manner to decrease your levels of stress chemicals and move on.   Emotional wounds are not visible to the body but expressed by the nervous system by either thinking about what was done to us and/or when the nervous system senses danger or threat that resembles the original occurrence from the smallest hurts to the small traumas to the large trauma experience. The symptoms are diffuse and can affect any part of your body.  Understanding the nature of your body’s unconscious reactions to real or perceived threats is the first step in dealing with them. Find ways to go pain free without surgery with David Hanscom, MD Find out more about Les Aria Ph.D. Pain Psychologist here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our unconscious brain’s primary function is to protect us. Unfortunately for humans, it is manifested in ongoing self-critical voices. To access our inherent capacity to love, these voices must be de-energized, which requires specific approaches.   We have discussed that love = awareness, which means being fully engaged in the present moment. Any time you are anxious or angry, something in the present reminded you of some situation from the past that was dangerous or perceived as such. In other words, the past is playing out in the present and by definition you are not aware. Love and anger cannot co-exist in a given moment. In this podcast we will discuss the necessity of “de-energizing” your automatic survival reactions of anxiety and anger before awareness/ love can emerge. Not only does threat physiology block it, but the blood supply to your brain also shifts from your thinking centers down to your survival midbrain, and you can’t think clearly. Learn the skills of creating safety, connecting to awareness and love, and watch your creativity come to life. Love does heal but accessing it is a learned skill. Stay connected with David Hanscom, MD Les Aria, Ph.D. Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love is a physiological state of safety that promotes regeneration and healing. It is the antithesis of anger, a state of threat, that consumes resources and causes illness and disease. You have a choice of how you want to be at any moment in time. Make it a habit to choose love.    Discover how to connect to your own healing capacity. Find out more about David Hanscom, MD and his groundbreaking work on chronic pain here Join Les Aria, PhD Pain Psychologist for The Next Remedy Pain Recovery Group find out more here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every person has to deal with unpleasant thoughts, and they are problematic in that we cannot escape from them. In light of all the misery connected with pain and many disease states, disruptive thoughts are a major factor that detracts from our capacity to enjoy our life. Even when physical pain resolves, unpleasant thoughts are often still problematic. Understanding the nature of these disruptive thought patterns is the first step. They arise from our unconscious brain, and we have no control over them. The harder we try to control or avoid them, the stronger they will become. The problem arises from two basic actions.  Suppressing unpleasant thoughts Having high ideals Both of these actions fire up the nervous system and your body’s flight or fight physiology. We are discussing the nature of the problem and the principles behind the solution. You must use tools to separate from the thoughts “Turn down the heat” – anger   Over the next several months we’ll be discussing the problem of disruptive thought patterns in detail. The solution lies within you once you understand the problem. Find out more about David Hanscom, MD here Find out more about Les Aria, PhD. here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chronic stress interferes and actually halts the body’s healing process at the cellular level. The problem lies in how you process stress because it is your body’s reaction to it that creates an adverse chemistry. Avoiding stress is even more problematic.   Stress is your TOTAL bodily reaction to a physical or mental threat. It is not a “psychological” issue, it is physiological (how your body functions). There are three ways that stress causes damage and is well documented in many research papers.  ·       Repeated activation ·       Slow or no adaption ·       Failure to return to homeostasis   Not only does it cause many serious chronic illness and diseases, it shorten your life span. The key here is to learn the habit of stress-releasing skills to restore your mental and physical health and balance. You do have a choice to influence your physiology from threat to safety and there is help out there for you.  Connect with David Hanscom, MD here Find out more about Les Aria, Ph.D here the Pain Psychologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Perfection is often held up as a virtue by our families, peers, society. It is actually a deadly neurological trick and a cognitive distortion, which steadily wears us down. Perfectionism is much different than a “vision of excellence”, which has the energy of accurately assessing your strengths and weaknesses, creating a vision of where you want to go, and figuring out the steps to get there. Perfectionism is a self-critical voice of “not good enough.” It is a motivating force but detracts from experiencing joy. Dr. Fred Luskin author of Forgive for Good, is our guest on this podcast and discusses issues around perfectionism in detail. Find out more about David Hanscom MD here Find out more about Les Aria, Ph.D here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices