Q: Can brain retraining tools be used to heal from vulvodynia?
A: Brain retraining tools can certainly help with this condition. Although the causes are primarily unknown, it is suspected that chronic inflammation, hormone regulation, and neuropathic factors may play a role in the creation of this condition. All of these factors can be improved through brain retraining, and there have been past retrainers that have experienced alleviation from these symptoms.
Q: Can brain retraining help with ADD/ADHD?
A: Yes it can. Both nervous system and limbic system functioning play a role in the inability to focus and sustain attention, along with fidgeting and impulsiveness. Integrated Listening Systems (iLS) have created a program called the Safe & Sound Protocol to help reset the vagus nerve and calm the nervous system, as well as a Focus program to help with attention deficit. Other neuro-retraining programs can also be of benefit.
If using a brain retraining program with this condition, keep the practice rounds shorter, use tools to help increase your focus (like 2 - 5 minute meditations daily). Even if you spend the whole time redirecting your brain back to focusing, you are strengthening the pathways that enable you to do so. Use every opportunity you can throughout the day to elevate your emotional state, and include feelings of calm wellbeing in there.
Q: Can brain retraining help with MS?
A: Given that MS is a disorder of the nervous system, using brain or nervous system retraining tools could be beneficial in alleviating some of the symptoms and potentially slowing the disease. Often lifestyle management tools are prescribed, such as meditation and other forms of stress management. Brain retraining adds more tools to direct brain and nervous system function.
Q: What is the balance between retraining my brain and dealing with potential environmental issues (such as mold)?
A: In my opinion, brain retraining does not replace common sense. So when trying to answer a question such as that, I often ask myself, "What would a healthy functioning person with common sense do in this situation?" If there is truly a potential concern that could be impacting your recovery and the wellbeing of your family, I would have it investigated. Preferably if another family member or friend could oversee it so that you are not directly involved, that would be better. Have it checked out, deal with it (if necessary) and then move on. Don't give it much airtime in your brain beyond this.
Where we have to be careful is that the limbic system could potentially use this as a springboard into fixating on other possible potential problems that aren't really there. We want to only investigate issues that pose a real threat (that a healthy functioning person with common sense would likely investigate), and be firm with our limbic system and not allow it to go down a rabbit hole. If it starts to see problems everywhere, treat these as automatic negative thoughts and retrain around it.
Q: Is it normal for people to spontaneously release emotional trauma from their bodies as they rewire? What forms can it take? Why is nobody talking about it?
A: Yes I have witnessed individuals release things that are stored on a cellular level as they rewire their brains and regulate their nervous systems. As the fundamental changes happen to restore optimal functioning in the brain and nervous system, the body can release that which has been stored that is not in alignment with optimal functioning. It doesn't happen to everyone in an overt way, but sometimes it can. These can include emotional releases, physical shaking or movements, or occasional flashbacks as old stored memories are releasing.
If you experience this, it is important to remind yourself that these things are coming up to be released. We don't want to attach to them or fixate on them in any way, including overanalyzing. Practice gentleness and self compassion and know that once they release your system will be that much closer to healing.
I can't say why nobody talks about these things, except that certain programs have specific conversation guidelines that this conversation would not fit in.
Happy Retraining and wishing you a healthy, fulfilling and wonderful 2021!
If you have questions, please email me at dearcandyquestions@gmail.com
Candy Widdifield is Registered Clinical Counsellor, Wellness Coach, and Registered Reiki Master Teacher in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. She works with people all over the world, helping them to optimize their wellbeing and thrive in their lives. Her modalities include coaching, therapy, Reiki and the Safe & Sound Protocol. More information about Candy can be found at www.candywiddifield.com
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