Neuroveda Podcast for Complex Health

Dr John Moos, MD discusses his transition from trauma surgeon to psychedelic healer- the unifying factor being proximity to trauma. He notes the trauma he initially treated with surgery most typically occurs within a container of many other traumas- social, political and economic violence, resource scarcity, fear, addiction, intergenerational traumas, ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and others. His (to-be) wife looked at him one day and said “I wonder if it’s possible to heal it before it happens”, meaning, is there a way to pre-emptively address the container of trauma before the physical trauma results as the outward explosion of inner distress. Dr Moos was hooked. He completed personal experiences with plant medicine and trainings with the Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI), California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) for their MDMA (3,4-Methyl
enedioxy
methamphetamine) protocol and now runs MoosMD.com to offer service to people with psychedelic medicine.

In this episode, we start with a discussion about trauma. Trauma can even be created in as simple moment as a mis-attunement with a parent as a child in a critical moment and we all experience various levels of trauma throughout the lifespan. Psychedelics can be a tool (not a panacea) to understand the impact of our history on our current, daily moment. It’s the alignment and integration of your three lenses of understanding: cognition (head), somatic (heart) and embodiment (intuition).

Dr Moos recognizes that psychedelics give us a chance to step to the side of our default mode network which can also be described as a type of our identity of our consciousness. Our conversation ranges to the benefits of relationship to help us access our consciousness (this is the definition of Tantra) and these relationships can be our mind to ourselves, us to our container, or us to each other.

Then, we dive into the current research and legal perspectives about the various psychedelics- ketamine, MDMA, psilocybin, LSD and other plant medicines for treatment resistant depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD and others. He reviews the importance of set and setting which recognizes that intentional and introspective work versus the external recreation of these medicines when they are used in a non-monitored ‘party’ state. As therapy, this is to dissolve ego boundaries to better understand yourself.

We also review the chemical nature and physiological impact of these medicines including the specific activities in the brain and the impacts on our neurobiology.

Is anybody damaged beyond repair? Is any person too traumatized to heal? On being asked this question, Dr Moos offers a compassionate and insightful response about the power of our neuroplasticity as well as the tremendously oppressive conditions of social, political and economic injustice and the persistent squeeze of growing pollution and climate change.

We close this show with a description about the Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP) process and what to look for in finding a safe and insightful session.

What I love about this show is that while we talk about ketamine and other psychedelics as a medicinal tool, this show is really about the nature of healing and reality.

Find out more about Dr Moos & his practice at https://moosmd.com/

Dr Jennifer Bahr is a Naturopathic Physician with deep interest, experience and success in treating children using Classical Homeopathy for PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Disease Associated with Streptococcus).

We start this show with the fascinating story of Homeopathy- history, mechanisms and current practice around the world. The American Institute of Homeopathy (AIH) was actually the first medical society formed in the United States in 1844. The Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States, still regulated by the FDA, recognizes over 1000 remedies. Research first published in 2010 used scanning microscopy to identify nanoparticles of a homeopathic remedy’s plant, animal and mineral sources in what is so ultra-diluted that it was previously considered nearly nothing (smaller than Avogadro’s number!). With this same technology, it can be measured that there are physiological changes like tiny like nudges that can impart significant trajectory changes in a child’s health.

Then we dive into PANS/PANDAS. Although there is more research about PANDAS (meaning symptoms associated with strep infection), triggers can be well beyond Strep, which is the nature of the condition known as PANS. Children can present with debilitating fear, rage, sleep disruptions, intense separation anxiety, reading/ math regression, toilet training regressions, distinct behavioral changes, tics, avoidant-restrictive food disorder, and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). It’s thought to happen in relation to an infective insult, but this may be so subtle as to not even be recognized (even mold in a home). PANS and PANDAS can be thought of as an immune system susceptibility; Homeopathy addresses susceptibilities to repair the biochemical patterns in realms that conventional medicine does not yet operate.

This is an incredible show that gives an excellent introduction to Homeopathy as well treatment possibilities for children and families truly suffering with these severe, often inconsolable, symptoms. We recorded this show with Dr Bahr precisely because of the results we are seeing in clinic with patients who have engaged with the Resilience Naturopathic team (demand is so great she has 16 clinicians on her team that see patients remotely around the world). Throughout the show, she weaves through her personal story, which is so insightful for both process and progress, but also demonstrates how life can feel in an effective treatment vacuum. 

Please listen in and share widely. 

Find out more about her, Resilience Naturopathic and PANS/PANDAS at the resources below.

Resilience Naturopathic

p: 858-461-8121

a: 3633 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 103 San Diego, CA, 92108

w:  www.resiliencenaturopathic.com

e:  [email protected]
Join our  FREE FB Group for our free mini course on PANS/ PANDAS solutions and lots of great conversation and support!

YouTube Channel for Resilience Naturopathic.

Dr Arnold Eiser, MD, MACP trained as a nephrologist over 40 years ago but has come to see that the kidneys, liver and other 'extracranial factors' (influences from outside the cranium, the skull holding the brain) hold some of the most impactful sway over the health of our brains. He's termed this relationship between organ dysfunction in the body to assumed compromise in central nervous system brain neuroinflammation Eiser's Corollary of Related Toxicity. His  book, Preserving Brain Health in a Toxic Age: New insights from neuroscience, integrative medicine and public health  (Rowman & Littlefield, Oct 2021) explores this topic in depth. He examines the ways in which environmental policy, corporate pollutive behavior, metals, microbes, common medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), and experiences with digital violence seem to hasten neuroinflammatory changes that can present as our current epidemics of autism and Alzheimer's Disease. It's a multi-tiered attack on the nervous system that our society doesn't loop back to true root causes. The book explores the interface between the chemical environment and industrial and agricultural practices.. He notes almost all neurotoxins are also carcinogenics and recognizes the key role of the liver as a front-line organ for protection or vulnerability for brain inflammation- and then notes the epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty acid disease in the modern world. He notes that CFS/ dysautonomia was originally described in the 1800's as a 'disease of modernity' associated with newspaper printing and rail travel. We then talk about the integrative medicine, high fructose corn syrup, nutrients, spices, and in the process really listing out many of the ways we can make our whole world medicine better at preserving brain health.

Find the book: https://www.amazon.com/Preserving-Brain-Health-Toxic-Age/dp/1538158078

or https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538158074/Preserving-Brain-Health-in-a-Toxic-Age-New-Insights-from-Neuroscience-Integrative-Medicine-and-Public-Health

Microglial cells are responsible for sensing and driving the immune response in the central nervous system. Their activity, be it supportive or destructive, can be at the root of many different neuroinflammatory conditions including diseases like MS, ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), but may also play a large role in the vague hallmark symptoms of complex and chronic disease like brain fog, fatigue, pain, alertness and mood changes including OCD, ADD, and depression.

Dr Singhal systematically walks us through an easily understood description of the types of cells in the brain (neurons, macroglia (astrocytes & oligodendrocytes), microglia) and their functions. The microglia are a fascinating type of neuroimmune cell that sense and act protectively in good times and then can change shape and release various cytokines, chemokine and neurotransmitters in response to the development of disease, which then impacts microglia function further. We used to only be able to see this on autopsy- there are no blood tests available to measure microglial activation (although neurofilament light chains (NfL) from neurons and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) from astrocytes can reflect central nervous system cellular injury).

But PET imaging can visualize microglial activation! Dr Singhal explains in elucidating detail the nature, function, and power of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, like starting with the Big Bang, anti-matter particles, medical cyclotrons and gamma rays. “PET brings physics, chemistry and biology together in real time to provide novel insights at a cellular and molecular level”, including microglial activation. “If you know yourself and know your enemy, you’ll win 1000 battles” is the way he describes what PET can do for neuroinflammatory conditions.

We end the show with a discussion of treatment theories and options targeting microglial activation. It’s a combination of re-evaluating known therapies (even the old antibiotic minocycline!) for their impact on microglia as well as mention of some novel therapies, including a nasal spray ‘vaccine’ for MS. Of course, we bring up non-pharmacologic therapy potentials including exercise, the Ayurvedic perspective including panchakarma detoxification, the power of breathing to impact cerebrospinal fluid flow, ketogenic diet, and consideration of various adaptogenic herbs with the goal of supporting the immune system’s intelligence.

Recorded on Friday, June 24, 2022, the day Roe v Wade was overturned by the United States Supreme Court, when safe full-scale reproductive health care responsibility was returned back to the states resulting in millions of women losing access to accurate information about safe reproductive care, this episode lays out the realities of abortion.

We know this decision will inflict a range of dangers, even well beyond the simple forcing of women to continue undesired pregnancies with all of the physical, emotional and financial realities (the Turn Away Study shows mental health may recover but physical and financial outcomes are worse for women who wanted but had no access to abortion care).

We know there is already an increasing frequency of delayed or denied miscarriage management, refusal to treat life-threatening pregnancy conditions like ectopic pregnancy, and fetal abnormalities not compatible with life that are forced to persist until their extensively painful and grueling end for both mom and fetus.

Dr Anuj Khattar is a Family Practice MD who has traveled the country providing reproductive care to women. After witnessing child abuse in the emergency room during his training, he chose this specialty to prevent that by supporting women to be in charge of their bodies, including their reproductive choices. He found he loves doing this work because of the deep listening it requires. Dr Khattar has learned from his patients that abortion is never a decision taken lightly. Behind every decision is a carefully weighed thought process to go this route. He notes 90% of abortions occur in the first trimester (12-14 weeks) when the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) is safe and effective, and that the majority of abortions are women who are already mothers; these are women who are making an informed decision.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The reason for an abortion is irrelevant; our judgment is irrelevant. Abortion care is health care.
• With the advent of medical abortion pills, which are available through the mail and are FDA approved through 11 weeks (with evidence & global experience showing likely safety up to 20 weeks), the post-Roe world is different than the pre-Roe world; see the documentary “The Janes” to understand more about that.
• The physical realities of abortion are demanding on a woman’s body; beyond weight gain, fatigue, nausea/vomiting and connective tissue softening, there is a 20-30% chance of a Cesarean section (C-Section) delivering which is major abdominal surgery incurring any surgical risk and requiring recovery time that is not protected by any Federal paid parental leave program.
• Dr Khattar also discusses the medically unsound text he has been required to read to women in certain states during abortion counseling and busts many of the other myths out there.
• A conversation on contraception, which is NOT abortion, even Plan B which is available over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.
• If the desire is truly to reduce or prevent abortions, our focus should be accurate, widely disseminated sex education, more social and financial opportunities for women, physical autonomy for women and access to contraception.

It’s a big show. It’s a big deal. Let's stand up for ourselves & each other. 

Resources:

• Funding Abortions: https://abortionfunds.org/
• Shout Your Abortion: https://shoutyourabortion.com/resources/
• Abortion finder: https://www.abortionfinder.org/
• Repro Legal Hotline: https://www.reprolegalhelpline.org/
• Plan C Safe Home Abortion: https://www.plancpills.org/

Coming July 8th from Partyfish Media! Oops, All Franchises is a new movie podcast ranking film franchises and sequels to find the best IP there ever was! What makes a good sequel? Does it have to be a good movie? Does it improve on the original?

Does a good follow-up have to reward the fans for waiting on the edge of their seat, decade after decade? We'll match each movie against each other based on entertainment, cultural impact, artistry, and more. Come with us on this journey through every film franchise we can find!

Oops, All Franchises premieres on Friday, July 8th wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe now or follow us on Instagram at @oopsallfranchisespod. For full info on the show, head to partyfish.media/oopsallfranchises. See you in the multiverse!

Oops, All Franchises Theme composed by Kurtis Skinner.

To Roar Like a Goddess is no joke and a responsibility not to be taken lightly. 

In this episode, Acharya Shunya rejoins us (see Podcast for Healing Neurology episode #42: Finding the Sovereign Self) for our first show together) to review some of the juicy bits of her new book, Roar Like a Goddess. 

We start with a definition of ‘goddess’ and how the various goddesses have the purpose of revealing the various aspects of our authentic goddess nature. “Just as the moonlight is no different than the moon, the self is no different from the Goddess. We are one.” 

Telling the goddess stories about the power of Durga, the prosperity & ethics of Lakshmi, and the knowledge and peacefulness of Sarasvati remind us of our own inherent, indivisible raw power, intelligent discernment, and capacity for pleasure. 

This was written in the ten thousand plus year old Vedas- the songs of recognizing divinity everywhere- as well as the Upanishads, which instruct us on finding divinity within our own consciousness. 

And this is the first five minutes of the show. Seriously. This is a show to listen to over and over again. 

These are the teachings we need to find our footing in an unstable world, to wake up our sleeping inner goddess, and to make order in our lives by rooting deeper beyond self, gender, politics, individual or community. 

Honoring your goodness can be just as important as asserting boundaries, roaring with rage, questioning your generosity and even engaging in violence, with discernment, to not tolerate atrocities against vulnerable people, animals or planet. 

Acharya Shunya reviews concepts of dharma (right living and connecting to our humanity), artha (prosperity, wealth), kama (pleasure, including the right pleasure of sex) and moksha (liberation). These concepts are told through mythology, story with clarity, wisdom and humor. 

Tune in to remember the brilliance of your nature and find encouragement to hold the boundary only as thick as a blade of grass. 

Be like the Goddess- both sweet & salty.

Resources:

· https://www.acharyashunya.com/

· https://www.awakenedself.com/

Autism, ADHD, OCD, and PANDAS/PANS are some of the challenging neuroinflammatory conditions in growing numbers of children these days. While the conventional treatment has typically been pharmaceuticals and behavioral therapies, we are truly in the midst of a paradigm shift aiming at root causes and asking 'why' and 'how' for both cause and treatment. Innovations in medicine are bringing us new evaluation tools, nuanced diagnosis capabilities, and treatment options. 

Dr Emily Gutierrez, a seasoned pediatric psychiatric doctorally-prepared nurse practitioner in Austin, Texas, prioritizes these kids who need new approaches. We begin the show by walking through the names, diagnostic criteria, and developmental progressions of some of these disorders like PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections),  PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), and autism spectrum disorder, including their associated symptoms of anxiety, depression, and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). She delineates autism as kids with global delay who have never met milestones (consider genetic testing with chromosomal microarray and Fragile X testing) versus those with regression or later development of symptoms (consider environmental triggers). 

We review Dr Richard Frye's formula for regressive autism or PANS/PANDAS etiologies being 20% genetics + 80% environmental triggers, including oxidative stress (aka total toxic burden of metals, infections, mycotoxins, poor elimination), methylation deficiencies, and mitochondrial dysfunction. She notes, "Psychiatric symptoms can have an immunological basis that needs to be ruled out before sticking a kid on a medication. Maybe the med is amoxicillin instead of prozac." We get far into the details with these physiological processes. 

This is an exciting conversation about understanding root causes, choosing treatment approaches and celebrating the inherent resilience of children. The earlier the intervention, the better the outcome. She emphasizes that these conditions are not the fault of the child or the parents and that it is somewhat a war of attrition, meaning, staying with it is the best way to support kids long term to become their best selves. For the benefit of our kids and society as a whole, we all need to heed the call to approach children with neuroinflammatory conditions with fresh, science-based, evidence-backed eyes- listen in to learn what this means and how it can be done. 

Resources: 

• Dr Emily Gutierrez's clinic: https://www.neuronutritionassociates.com/
• Dr Emily Gutierrez's nutritional supplement line: NeuroNutrients (coming July 2022!)
• Dr Emily Gutierrez's book link: The Parent's Roadmap to Autism (2018)
• MAPS: Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs for clinicians
• TACA for parent support: The Autism Community in Action

Season 3 of Save The D8 drops this June 16th! All new characters with all new adventurers and... a brand new player, Shane Regan!

People are getting abducted from their homelands and trapped in a prison with no name. Prisoners are kept under substandard conditions and either executed or forced to work for the prison when their time comes. Four of these prisoners plan to escape this terrible place and find their way home! Find your way this June 16th on Save The D8: Epoch.

Subscribe and listen to Save The D8 wherever you get your podcasts, and get full info on the show at https://partyfish.media/savethed8pod

Karyn Schwartz is a community herbalist what starts out with exactly what we need to know about herbalism, "If you are interacting with plants in any way, you are doing herbalism. If you are cooking with plants in your kitchen, you are doing herbalism. If you are making tea, you are doing herbalism. If you are sitting and listening to the grass, you are doing herbalism. There are so many ways to have relationships to plants and we are bound to them- we are always in relationship to plants. There's no oxygen without plants. We're not here unless we are in relationship to plants. Even before we talk about the consumption or utilization of plants, we have to recognize we are wholly dependent on the plant world for our existence." From there, we have a wide-ranging conversation about the ways in which relationships with plants can inform our experience in life. Karyn shares how she met different plants, like the high joy being around buckets of basil and the experimenting with making ink from choke-cherry juice. Although she didn't grow up encouraged to be close to plants, her persistence, curiosity and humility helped her learn bit by bit what this relationship is and how knowing plants makes us more human. 

Find more about the Sugarpill Apothecary here. 

And on Instagram here.