Natural Vagus Nerve StimulationDid you know that activation of the vagus nerve keeps your immune system in check and releases an assortment of hormones and neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and oxytocin. This results in reductions in inflammation, reduced allergies, relief … Continue reading
Somatic ResilienceResilience is defined as an ability to flexibly adapt to challenging, adverse, or traumatic life events. This ability to “bounce back” from traumatic events is deeply connected to having the opportunity to work through difficult life experiences. Importantly, resilience … Continue reading
Knowledge is Power Irregularities in the vagus nerve can cause tremendous distress in physical and emotional health. Physical consequences can include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), heart burn or GERD, nausea or vomiting, fainting, tinnitus, tachycardia, auto-immune disorders, seizures, and migraines. … Continue reading
Sustained Change The late yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar said, “Change leads to disappointment if it is not sustained. Transformation is sustained change, and it is achieved through practice.” This quote got me thinking. “I began to think about my daily … Continue reading
Trauma, Health, and the Vagus Nerve When working with clients with chronic trauma I commonly hear stories of seizures, migraines, gastrointestinal problems, and autoimmune disorders. The connection between trauma and health is complex, not surprising because there is still so much … Continue reading
Mind and Body in Psychotherapy *Diane is not an actual person, but a composite of several clients Dr. Schwartz has seen over the past several years. Identifying details have been changed to protect their privacy. The treatments and outcomes are … Continue reading
An Initiation into Mindfulness Nearly 20 years ago I entered my yoga teacher training. During one of our lectures discussing the importance of mindfulness I was lying on my stomach on the floor, my legs outstretched behind me. All the … Continue reading
Psychotherapy vs. Medication Large scale, long term studies reveal that psychotherapy is as effective as medications, lasts longer than drug treatments, and avoids the harmful side effects. Despite growing evidence for the efficacy of psychotherapy, the use of therapy has … Continue reading
Getting Unstuck from PTSD One of the painful repercussions of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the experience of a lack of control that can occur when you feel trapped by feelings of anxiety, panic, overwhelm, or despair. Polyvagal theory, the work … Continue reading
Trauma and Your Health The connections between unresolved trauma and the immune system provide insight into a wide array of medical symptoms. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are meant to work in a rhythmic alternation that supports healthy digestion, sleep, … Continue reading