The Cell Danger Response can also be titled as the Healing Cycle. From this class presented at the Center for Healing Neurology in December, 2019, learn about the complexity of cellular signaling. At the perception of a threat (be it physical, chemical, pressure, pH, temperature, or a memory of threat that seems imminent again), the cells initiate a cascade of metabolic changes. There are three stages in this cycle: 1) down-regulation of energy production to re-route resources to contain and neurtralize the threat, 2) re-establishment of local order, 3) the re-connection of long-distance communication between the cells at the site of damage and all the other cells in the body. If the Cell Danger Response gets stuck on “ON”, then we can end up with a whole host of various chronic diseases. Listen in to hear neurologist Dr Ilene Ruhoy, PA-C Deirdre Gately, and ARNP Gillian Ehrlich discuss why it’s so important to complete the healing cycle to prevent and resolve chronic illness.

Some links to the work of MD, PhD Robert Naviaux at University of San Diego: 

Dr Ilene Ruhoy, MD, PhD, discusses neurology from all angles, including the conventional perspective (which is often right and enough!) of treating neurological symptoms like migraines, seizures and neuropathy with pharmaceuticals, physical therapy and other treatments, and the expanded view which includes immunology, mitochondria, genetics and the ancient understandings now being supported by research including Yoga and meditation. Listening critically to the patient is how she determines her diagnosis and which investigation and interventions to recommend. Dr Ruhoy also reviews the foundations of health as eating, moving and sleeping. She then dives deeply into how we are Circadian beings with the use of rhythm as a treatment for suffering. We end with a second deep dive into the critical role our food plays in our health, especially juicing which is a favorite daily element in supporting Dr Ruhoy’s health, which she started in earnest before, during and since her brain tumor and resection surgery in 2015 leaving her feeling better than she did before cancer. Listen in to find out how to think about our the complexity of our nervous systems as well as the simplicity of ways to start nourishing them with our daily routine.

Dr Gillian Ehrlich, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner certified in Functional Medicine & Ayurveda discusses her approach to patient care, and really her approach to life. We cover the roots of Ayurveda utilized in every patient visit for personalizing care as well as the holistic roots of disease and dysfunction from the Functional Medicine perspective. We review Dr Gillian’s emphasis on the power of nature and connection to dispel loneliness as a tool to deeply impact our neurology. We finish with reasons that social justice and population health go beyond individual patient care and why and how our species is so intimately connected.

Keesha Ewers, ARNP, IFMCP, Ayurvedic practitioner with a PhD in Sexology, shares with us research, intense personal stories, and wise insights about the place that sex and intimacy hold within the rest of our life. Specially, Dr Keesha discusses her own research of the HURT study, Healing Unresolved Trauma, which looks at how our neurological impressions of self and other are rooted in our early life relationships. We can take back the reins on our libido & sex life by frankly facing the realities of life, developing healthy boundaries, and changing the culture of conversation towards connection instead of achievement (aka ‘climax’). “Intimacy is where we do our deepest work.” Come listen to how we can get ourselves & each other there (including setting up our children for intimacy success!) with forgiveness work, autogenic training and compassion. Find out more about Dr Keesha and her work at DrKeesha.com.

Hosted by board-certified neurologist Ilene Ruhoy, MD, PhD and Functional Medicine & Ayurveda certified family nurse practitioner Gillian Ehrlich, DNP, ARNP, IFMCP. We'll deliver twice-monthly episodes that highlight ways to support your neurology. 

Find out more about us at CenterforHealingNeurology.com and send your comments and topic requests to [email protected]. Please be sure to rate and review each podcast wherever you get your podcasts! 

Podcast for Healing Neurology premieres on Jan. 2nd from Partyfish Media 🎉🐟