Matt: Let’s get in the weeds for a minute. Treatment of disease is obviously important, but often should only be the tip of the iceberg. Many threats to the body impact more than one system or organ and shouldn’t be viewed in isolation. From what I’ve learned, healing often requires full body participation. Reaching back to possible causes of a chronic condition is emotionally difficult but can unlock healing not directly treatable by a pill. Most of us experience trauma at some point in our lives. Physical effects of trauma can live in our bodies for years after a traumatic event. Chronic trauma conditions your body to adopt an unnatural, unhealthy state of being that may cause DNA damage that can lead to cancer.
Enter the vagus nerve and polyvagal theory.
The vagus nerve is actually a much bigger deal than I realized. It runs the length of your back and innervates everything from your smile to your digestion. It also initiates the release of the chemicals your body needs during traumatic events. But too much of these chemicals for too long is toxic!
Polyvagal theory outlines the role of the vagus nerve in regulating three primary emotional states. Throughout our lives we may experience moments of fight-or-flight, withdrawal, or healthy social engagement. Certain body movements informed by polyvagal theory seek to ease your body out of chronic ‘fight-or-flight’ or ‘lifeless-shutdown’ states and into one prepared for healthy social connection.
Some of these healing modalities are admittedly on the fringe and have no clinically supported evidence of healing people of cancer. However, I found this theory after reflecting on why my vocal cord became paralyzed. There was a tumor interfering with a branch of the vagus nerve that leads to my left vocal cord. I have also experienced prolonged trauma during certain periods of my life. There is still so much unknown about the human body. Anything that contributes to a healthy internal environment is worth pursuing.
Polyvagal theory is also known by some in the horse training community and one Annie was already familiar with. It’s beautiful discovering other examples of how creation is wired for social community and peace. It also bears pointing out that the emotional state of ‘lifeless-shutdown’ may appear peaceful on the surface, but is toxic long term. We need to be honest with ourselves, ask for help, and truly love each other.
I found this resource and adopted the exercises mentioned in Accessing The Healing Power Of The Vagal Nerve. I view this as yoga for your nervous system.
Speaking of YouTube, I recently started a new project. I’ve noticed a disconnect between food science and simple instructions for preparing meals that can help you heal and prevent disease. With the Millennial and Gen-Z generations oriented around take-out meals or meal prep boxes delivered to their door, there is a need for concise, how-to videos on preparing healing meals. I am no celebrity chef or YouTube star, but have started making videos that get straight to the point and are curated from my favorite recipes. It’s also nice to have another creative outlet during the pandemic. Check out my channel Healing Meals!
My next scans will happen some time in April and I continue to fine tune my protocols. One area I wanted checked was my vitamin D level. Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for healing and preventing illnesses like cancer and some autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. My healthcare provider rejected my initial request to include a comprehensive vitamin panel at my regular blood lab. I insisted that my vitamin D and B12 levels get checked during my last in-person meeting. Higher vitamin D levels in the blood increase the production of cathelicidins that have multiple healing functions. The available science points to healthy vitamin D levels between 40 to 80 ng/ml .
My levels were 30.5 ng/ml and I was told those were fine!!
I was surprised I had to advocate so much for this simple test and shocked that my levels were so low despite supplementing through the winter months. I am increasing my supplements to 10,000 IU daily for a while and will re-test myself using a home test kit later in April. Anyone living in northern climates should consider getting their vitamin D levels tested.
Here’s what else I’m loving during this season:
Matt & Annie - Journey 