The Vital Spirit Podcast with Dr. Kelly Livingston

What if midlife isn't something to survive but an invitation to come home to yourself?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kathy Casey, DACM, L.Ac., C.Ht., doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, to explore a completely different way of looking at midlife. Instead of seeing symptoms as something to suppress or simply "get through," we talk about how this season of life can become an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, your body, and the wisdom that's been there all along.

Dr. Kathy shares her own journey into Chinese medicine, the experiences that shaped her philosophy of healing, and why she believes the body is never working against us. We talk about the importance of curiosity over judgment, why symptoms often carry important messages, and how simple daily practices can help shift us from constant survival mode into a place of greater resilience and self-awareness.

Whether you're navigating perimenopause, feeling disconnected from yourself, or simply craving a more grounded approach to health, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what healing can really look like.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:03 Meet Dr. Kathy Casey and the path that led her to Chinese medicine

● 03:20 The meaning behind "the body-mind is the oracle"

● 10:01 The gallbladder health scare that changed the direction of her life

● 14:33 How energy healing became part of her practice

● 20:59 Looking at symptoms as your body's solutions instead of problems

● 33:53 What it means to be a "midwife for midlife"

● 36:55 Why patterns matter more than simply treating symptoms

● 39:27 Creating a safe space where women feel truly heard

● 40:33 Why you're reporting symptoms—not complaining

● 41:59 The "magic wand" question she asks every patient

● 42:59 The everyday stressors that quietly shape our health

● 45:34 Simple "parasympathetic snacks" to help regulate your nervous system

● 57:38 Rediscovering who you are beyond your roles and responsibilities

● 01:00:27 A different way to think about anxiety and emotional health

● 01:04:39 The importance of noticing and naming what's happening in your body

● 01:09:38 Why awareness alone isn't enough without practice

● 01:19:47 The missing rituals of midlife and why they matter

Links and resources:

● Dr. Kathy Casey Website: https://touchstoneacupuncture.com/

● Dr. Kathy Casey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkathycasey/

● Dr. Kathy Casey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-casey-dacm-lac-cht-44680618/

● Dr. Kathy Casey Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047536339240

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I take a deep dive into one of the most overlooked lab markers I run in clinical practice: ferritin. While many people associate iron with anemia, ferritin tells us a much bigger story about your body's iron reserves and can offer important clues when you're dealing with fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, anxiety, poor exercise recovery, or simply feeling like something isn't right.

I explain why ferritin is rarely the diagnosis itself—it's a clue that helps us ask better questions. We explore how iron supports everything from energy production and thyroid function to brain health and the immune system, why two people with the same ferritin level may need completely different treatment plans, and how digestion, inflammation, hormones, and nutrient absorption all influence your iron status.

Most importantly, I want to show you how I think through lab work in practice. Because the goal isn't just to correct a number—it's to understand the physiology behind it so we can create lasting healing.

In this episode, we cover:

● 00:49 The patient story that revealed ferritin as the missing clue

● 02:42 Why ferritin matters and what it can tell us about your health

● 07:07 What ferritin actually is and how it differs from iron

● 10:39 The many roles iron plays in energy, brain function, thyroid health, anxiety, and more

● 14:33 Why low ferritin can look different from one person to another

● 18:59 How I interpret iron studies and why lab numbers should never be viewed in isolation

● 25:32 The most common reasons ferritin becomes depleted, from heavy periods to gut health and inflammation

● 33:27 Food, supplements, and supporting iron absorption the right way

● 37:10 When iron infusions may be appropriate and the biggest takeaway from today's episode

Links and resources:

● Episode 2. The Blueprint for Healing: Naturopathic Principles and the Therapeutic Order: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/02-the-blueprint-for-healing-naturopathic-principles/id1790365046?i=1000684966344

● Episode 12. What Your Thyroid Is Trying to Tell You in Midlife: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/12-what-your-thyroid-is-trying-to-tell-you-in-midlife/id1790365046?i=1000706641159

● Episode 41 Part 1. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-1-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000739475942

● Episode 11 Part 1. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-1-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000704570884

● Episode 39. SIBO Isn’t the Problem: Healing the Terrain, Not the Germ (Bloating & Weight Gain in Midlife): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/39-sibo-isnt-the-problem-healing-the-terrain-not/id1790365046?i=1000737383709

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if doing everything “right” is exactly what’s keeping you exhausted?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I sit down with naturopathic doctor Dr. Kirsten Vandenheuvel to talk about something so many women experience but rarely understand: burnout. We explore why high-achieving women often hit a point where the routines that once worked stop working, why perfectionism can quietly keep us stuck, and how chronic stress changes the way our bodies function over time.

Dr. Kirsten shares her own journey into naturopathic medicine, what she's seeing in practice with women navigating burnout and perimenopause, and why healing isn't about adding more to your already full plate.

If you've ever wondered why you don't feel like yourself anymore—or why your lab work says you're "fine" even though you know something isn't right—this conversation will leave you feeling seen and give you practical tools to start moving forward.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:07 How Dr. Kirsten found naturopathic medicine and why she works with high-achieving women

● 02:14 Why healing doesn't have to become another thing to perfect

● 09:33 The hidden habits that lead so many women to burnout

● 16:00 Common lab patterns she sees in women with chronic stress

● 18:53 Why blood sugar and insulin resistance deserve more attention

● 23:14 How strength training supports hormones, metabolism, and long-term health

● 29:01 What nervous system regulation really means and why it isn't just meditation

● 33:40 Simple ways to regulate your nervous system throughout the day

● 37:38 Why safety comes before deeper emotional healing

● 38:31 How beginners can start using breathwork without feeling overwhelmed

● 39:26 The personal experience that made Dr. Kirsten a believer in breathwork

● 43:23 Easy breathing practices you can start using today

● 46:06 How polyvagal theory helps explain your stress response

● 48:41 Why so many women struggle during perimenopause even when nothing else has changed

●51:13 Why symptoms matter just as much as lab numbers

● 57:14 The healing force within us and how to create the conditions for recovery

● 01:00:59 The most underrated daily habit for reducing stress and preventing burnout

Links and resources:

● Dr. Kirsten Vandenheuvel, ND Website: https://www.drkirstennd.com/

● Dr. Kirsten Vandenheuvel, ND Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturallydrkirsten/

● Episode 06. What Happens in Vagus: The Missing Link to Resilience, Digestion & Hormone Balance: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/06-what-happens-in-vagus-the-missing-link-to/id1790365046?i=1000700362895

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Receiving an HPV diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to define your future.

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I sit down with naturopathic physician, professional midwife, and women's health expert Dr. Doni Wilson to talk about what's often missing from the conversation around HPV. Instead of asking, "How do we get rid of the virus?" we explore a different question: "Why did the body become more susceptible in the first place?"

Together, we discuss how stress, trauma, gut health, hormones, and the nervous system all influence the body's ability to heal. We also talk about why so many women are left in a cycle of fear and waiting, what proactive options exist beyond the standard approach, and how understanding your body's terrain can completely change the healing process.

Whether you've recently been diagnosed with HPV, have been living with it for years, or simply want to better understand the connection between stress, immunity, and women's health, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and practical next steps.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:07 Meet Dr. Doni Wilson and how she's helped thousands of women heal from HPV

● 03:03 The basics of HPV, why it's so common, and why a diagnosis doesn't have to be a life sentence

● 04:46 How Dr. Doni became passionate about helping women heal HPV naturally

● 08:15 Her journey into naturopathic medicine and discovering a different way to care for women

● 14:17 Why some women clear HPV naturally while others struggle with persistent infections

● 18:26 The powerful connection between stress, trauma, and immune function

● 24:05 What conventional screening does well, where it falls short, and what to do after a diagnosis

● 27:53 Healing options beyond LEEP and why women deserve to know all of their choices

● 30:42 Real stories of women who avoided hysterectomy by addressing the root cause

● 32:03 Dr. Doni's framework for supporting the body's ability to heal

● 32:44 The gut-vagina connection and why gut health matters more than most women realize

● 33:51 Leaky gut, food sensitivities, and hidden factors that can make HPV harder to clear

● 36:27 Why testing cortisol and neurotransmitters can change your treatment plan

● 39:10 What it really takes to move your body out of survival mode and into healing

● 41:28 The emotional side of pelvic health, toxic relationship patterns, and reclaiming your power

● 43:51 Why HPV often appears during perimenopause and menopause

● 50:21 Individualized treatment plans, therapeutic dosing, and the role of vaginal suppositories

● 56:09 The transformation Dr. Doni has witnessed after helping thousands of women heal

● 59:27 Where to find Dr. Doni, her free workshop, and additional HPV resources

● 1:02:35 Why healing starts by supporting the terrain, not just treating the diagnosis

Links and resources:

● Dr. Doni Wilson website: https://doctordoni.com/

● How Humans Heal Podcast: https://doctordoni.com/blog/podcasts/

●Clear HPV Now: https://doctordoni.com/hpv/

● Heal HPV Worldwide 5 Day Free Workshop: https://dv296.isrefer.com/go/5day/Kslivingston/

● Say Goodbye to HPV Program: https://dv296.isrefer.com/go/hpv12/Kslivingston/

● Free Training for Healthcare Practitioners: https://dv296.isrefer.com/go/pfc/Kslivingston/

● Dr. Doni’s HPV Protocol Practitioner Certification Program: https://dv296.isrefer.com/go/ppp/Kslivingston/

● Episode 59 Part 1. Homeopathy in Perimenopause: What Your Symptoms Are Really Saying: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/59-part-1-homeopathy-in-perimenopause-what-your-symptoms/id1790365046?i=1000768705747

● Episode 59 Part 2. Homeopathy in Perimenopause: What Your Symptoms Are Really Saying: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/59-part-2-homeopathy-in-perimenopause-what-your-symptoms/id1790365046?i=1000769789282

● Episode 11 Part 1. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-1-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000704570884

● Episode 11 Part 2. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-2-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000705254063

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Almost every week, women tell me the same thing: "I just don't feel like myself anymore."

They may still be managing work, caring for their families, exercising, and checking all the boxes but something feels different. Their energy is gone, their resilience has changed, and despite being told their labs are "normal," they know something isn't right.

In this episode, I unpack one of the most common conversations I had on discovery calls and explain why so many women fall into the gap between feeling unwell and receiving meaningful answers. I share how I approach root-cause medicine, why pattern recognition matters more than isolated symptoms, and how learning to understand your labs can help you become a stronger advocate for your own health. If you've ever felt dismissed, confused, or like your body is trying to tell you something no one else seems to hear, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:09 Why this week's discovery calls inspired today's episode

● 02:13 What women really mean when they say, "I don't feel like myself anymore"

● 04:17 Why "your labs are normal" isn't always the end of the story

● 07:37 The important questions that often get overlooked

● 10:09 A real discovery call about seven years of unexplained exhaustion

● 11:40 How ANA testing can uncover autoimmune patterns

● 14:04 Why true health is about more than having a diagnosis or not having one

● 15:39 What vitality really means and why it matters

● 19:31 What actually happens during a discovery call

● 23:51 The ferritin "pantry" analogy that makes iron stores easy to understand

● 27:31 How your hormones, gut, immune system, and nervous system work together

● 29:53 How to advocate for yourself and ask better questions about your health

● 37:42 A preview of the Know Your Numbers educational series

● 40:34 Final encouragement for women who know something in their body has changed

Links and resources:

● Lab Interpretation Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/lab-guide/Landing

● Rupa Health Lab Shop: https://labs.rupahealth.com/store/storefront_6G8Rzpn

● Episode 11 Part 1. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-1-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000704570884

● Episode 11 Part 2. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-2-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000705254063

● Episode 41 Part 1. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-1-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000739475942

● Episode 41 Part 2. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-2-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000740607767

● Episode 32. What Your Doctor Might Be Missing About Midlife Fatigue (Epstein-Barr Virus EBV): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/32-what-your-doctor-might-be-missing-about-midlife/id1790365046?i=1000728187600

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

If you've ever wondered why your neck is always tight, why your jaw won't unclench, or why your body feels stuck even when your lab work looks normal, this episode offers a different way of seeing what's happening.

I continue the fascia conversation by moving beyond anatomy into real clinical practice, explaining how fascia reflects the body's adaptations to stress, trauma, and chronic nervous system dysregulation. Through patient stories and practical examples, I explore why chronic tension is about more than muscles, how creating safety changes physiology, and why healing isn't about forcing the body to change—it's about restoring the conditions that allow it to heal.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:06 Why fascia becomes most meaningful when you see it in real patients

● 02:06 The simple question I ask every patient: "Where do you hold your stress?"

● 03:27 What hypermobility, rigidity, and chronic tension can reveal about your nervous system

● 05:17 Why trigger points and fibromyalgia involve much more than muscle knots

● 07:14 How living in a constant threat state creates an "armored" body

● 11:04 Why creating safety is often the first step toward healing

● 13:33 Looking at chronic tension through the naturopathic "obstacles to cure" framework

● 15:02 How hypermobility can lead the entire body to compensate for instability

● 17:12 Why touch, bodywork, and fascial release can help your nervous system feel safe again

● 19:28 How herbs, homeopathy, and other subtle medicines support connective tissue healing

● 20:54 The connection between your breath, diaphragm, vagus nerve, and fascia

● 22:22 How slowing down and reconnecting with your body can transform healing

● 23:52 The biggest takeaways from the fascia series—and where the conversation is headed next

● 24:21 Why your symptoms are communications, not signs that your body is broken

Links and resources:

● Episode 63 Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/63-part-1-fascia-why-stress-trauma-and-pain-live-in-the-body/id1790365046?i=1000774971717

● Episode 55. The Healing Power of Nature: Understanding Vis Medicatrix Naturae: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/55-the-healing-power-of-nature-understanding/id1790365046?i=1000760210568

● Episode 06. What Happens in Vagus: The Missing Link to Resilience, Digestion & Hormone Balance: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/06-what-happens-in-vagus-the-missing-link-to/id1790365046?i=1000700362895

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if the system connecting your muscles, organs, hormones, nervous system, and even your emotional health has been overlooked all along?

In this first part of a two-part series, I introduce fascia through a completely different lens. While it's often described as connective tissue, fascia is far more than that. It's a living, responsive network that helps your body communicate, adapt, and heal.

We explore why fascia is becoming an increasingly important topic in modern research, how it responds to stress, posture, movement, hydration, and hormones, and why it may hold the missing link between physical symptoms, nervous system regulation, and whole-person healing. By the end of this episode, you'll begin to see your body not as separate systems, but as one integrated conversation.

In this episode, we cover:

● 00:49 Why fascia may be one of the body's most overlooked systems

● 02:52 What new research says about hormones and fascia

● 06:42 The clinical pattern I keep seeing in women struggling with chronic symptoms

● 08:10 What fascia actually is (and what it isn't)

● 11:52 Why hydration, collagen, and movement all matter for healthy fascia

● 13:02 How fascia acts as the body's communication network

● 16:42 Why fascia changes how I think about development, healing, and spirit

● 18:23 How modern life shapes tension patterns—and how we begin releasing them

● 24:11 The connection between your breath, diaphragm, fascia, and healing

● 25:26 A preview of Part Two: trauma, chronic tension, and restoring movement

Links and resources:

● Episode 02. The Blueprint for Healing: Naturopathic Principles and the Therapeutic Order: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/02-the-blueprint-for-healing-naturopathic-principles/id1790365046?i=1000684966344

● Episode 45. How Depression Heals: The Therapeutic Order for Mind, Body, and Spirit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/45-how-depression-heals-the-therapeutic-order-for/id1790365046?i=1000744134391

● Episode 30. Why Hydration Alone Isn’t Enough: The Power of Hydrotherapy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/30-why-hydration-alone-isnt-enough-the-power/id1790365046?i=1000725855973

● Episode 03. Midlife and the Nervous System: Building Resilience Step by Step: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/03-midlife-and-the-nervous-system-building/id1790365046?i=1000684966973

● Episode 54. Know Thyself, Heal Thyself: Patterns, Nervous System, and the Path to Integration: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/54-know-thyself-heal-thyself-patterns-nervous-system/id1790365046?i=1000758622096

● Episode 60. How the Body Holds Grief: A Conversation on Healing, Nature & Nervous System Resilience with Dr. Mark Romano, ND: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/60-how-the-body-holds-grief-a-conversation-on/id1790365046?i=1000770913362

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Your body is always communicating with you. The real question is: are you listening?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sheena Jongeneel, licensed acupuncturist, founder of Empress, and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, to explore women's hormones through a different lens—one rooted in patterns, vitality, and the body's innate wisdom. We talk about the connection between stress and hormone health, why so many women feel disconnected from their cycles, and how Eastern medicine approaches PMS, perimenopause, and menopause by supporting the whole person rather than simply managing symptoms.

Dr. Sheena shares her own journey from Pilates instructor to acupuncturist, how her daughter's first period and her own perimenopausal symptoms inspired the creation of her wellness brand, and why she believes these midlife transitions can become some of the most empowering seasons of a woman's life.

If you've ever wondered what your symptoms are trying to tell you—or if you're looking for natural ways to support your hormones—this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:06 How Dr. Sheena found her path to Eastern medicine

● 02:48 Why Pilates led her to acupuncture and holistic healing

● 04:35 Burnout, meditation, and lessons from her training years

● 07:52 Understanding hormone patterns through Traditional Chinese Medicine

● 10:35 The personal story behind creating Empress

● 15:33 The connection between stress, qi, and the foods we eat

● 21:26 How herbal formulas support hormones at different life stages

● 26:16 Period packs, first periods, and removing shame around menstruation

● 29:15 Natural options for teens dealing with painful periods and acne

● 30:16 How herbs can help us understand deeper patterns in the body

● 31:20 The relationship between stress and hormone balance

● 33:55 Common signs your body may need extra support during perimenopause

● 37:12 Why your cycle is one of your most important vital signs

● 40:02 The mindset shift that can transform midlife

● 42:09 Mother-daughter hormone stories and cycle synchronicity

● 46:50 Where homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine overlap

● 52:04 Why women deserve to know all of their natural options

● 56:11 Where to learn more about Dr. Sheena and Empress

Links and resources:

● The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted J. Kaptchuk: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/214967.The_Web_That_Has_No_Weaver_

● Empress: herempress.com

● Empress Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empressofhealth

● Empress TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@herempress

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Connect with Dr. Sheena Jongeneel:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheenajongeneel_l.ac/

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Grief doesn't just live in your mind. It lives in your body, too.

In part two of this series, I move beyond the physiology of grief and into the healing process itself. We explore how grief shapes fascia, nervous system patterns, hormones, and even our sense of safety—and why healing isn't about "moving on," but about creating the conditions for your body to reorganize after loss.

I share the herbs I commonly use to support acute stress and chronic dysregulation, how homeopathy helps us understand grief as an individual pattern rather than a diagnosis, and why somatic practices, breathwork, and spiritual traditions can help us complete what grief has left unfinished. This episode is an invitation to approach loss with more compassion, more understanding, and more trust in your body's ability to heal.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:06 A look back at how grief affects cortisol, hormones, inflammation, digestion, and the nervous system

● 02:28 Why grief isn't just emotional—and how unresolved loss can shape tension patterns, breathing, and tissue health

● 04:03 The healing practices I return to and why we are never truly helpless in the face of suffering

● 05:41 Herbs for acute stress

● 07:32 How herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, hawthorn, rose, and mimosa can support resilience and emotional healing

● 10:02 Why homeopathy doesn't treat grief itself, but the unique way grief expresses itself in each individual

● 12:05 Simple techniques like breathwork, orienting, movement, and co-regulation that help the body feel safe enough to heal

● 14:08 Viewing grief as a disruption of life force, and how breath, visualization, and heart-centered practices can support recovery

● 16:25 Why grief changes us, how healing unfolds over time, and learning to trust the waves instead of fighting them

Links and resources:

● Episode 61 Part 1. Why Grief Feels Physical: Understanding Loss Through the Lens of Midlife Health: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/61-part-1-why-grief-feels-physical-understanding-loss/id1790365046?i=1000771997519

● Healing into Life and Death by Stephen Levine: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/263053.Healing_into_Life_and_Death

● Episode 60. How the Body Holds Grief: A Conversation on Healing, Nature & Nervous System Resilience with Dr. Mark Romano, ND: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/60-how-the-body-holds-grief-a-conversation-on/id1790365046?i=1000770913362

● Episode 38. How to Trust Your Inner Knowing in Midlife with Dr. Valerie Simonsen ND: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/38-how-to-trust-your-inner-knowing-in-midlife-with-dr/id1790365046?i=1000736397645

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Grief isn’t just something we feel emotionally—it changes us physically, too.

In this episode, I take a deeper look at what happens inside the body when grief, loss, and major life transitions don’t fully move through our system. Building on my recent conversation with Dr. Mark Romano, we explore how grief affects the nervous system, cortisol rhythm, inflammation, gut health, and hormone balance, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one, navigating a divorce, adjusting to an empty nest, or mourning a version of yourself that no longer exists, your body is responding in ways that are both real and measurable. Understanding those responses can help you move from confusion and self-blame toward compassion, awareness, and healing.

In this episode, we explore why grief is more than an emotional experience, how it can disrupt the body's stress response, and what it means to create the conditions for true healing and reorganization after loss.

In this episode, we cover:

● 02:47 A powerful reading on grief and healing

● 05:36 Why grief is different from everyday stress

● 07:23 Understanding the HPA axis and stress response

● 09:21 What happens during an acute cortisol surge

● 11:25 When grief becomes chronic dysregulation

● 13:23 Grief during perimenopause and menopause

● 15:10 Numbness, shutdown, and protective physiology

● 17:26 Inflammation, immunity, and grief

● 21:03 The gut-brain connection during loss

● 23:49 The steroid hormone cascade explained

● 28:24 Progesterone, sleep, and stress resilience

● 30:40 Neurosteroids and emotional regulation

● 34:23 Why grief feels like a threat to the brain

● 38:07 Grief as initiation and transformation

● 40:19 Real-world clinical grief patterns

● 42:46 Practical ways to support healing and regulation

Links and resources:

● Episode 60. How the Body Holds Grief: A Conversation on Healing, Nature & Nervous System Resilience with Dr. Mark Romano, ND: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/60-how-the-body-holds-grief-a-conversation-on/id1790365046?i=1000770913362

● Healing into Life and Death by Stephen Levine: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/263053.Healing_into_Life_and_Death

● Episode 55. The Healing Power of Nature: Understanding Vis Medicatrix Naturae: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/55-the-healing-power-of-nature-understanding/id1790365046?i=1000760210568

● Episode 33. The HPA Axis Deep Dive (Part 1): Why It Comes Before Hormones: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/33-the-hpa-axis-deep-dive-part-1-why-it-comes-before-hormones/id1790365046?i=1000729491418

● 33. The HPA Axis Deep Dive (Part 2): Why It Comes Before Hormones: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/33-the-hpa-axis-deep-dive-part-2-why-it-comes-before-hormones/id1790365046?i=1000730776671

● Episode 49. IBS vs. IBD: Understanding Gut Inflammation Through Clinical Cases: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/49-ibs-vs-ibd-understanding-gut-inflammation-through/id1790365046?i=1000749212470

● Episode 16. The Gut-Brain Anxiety Loop: Healing Anxiety from the Inside Out: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/16-the-gut-brain-anxiety-loop-healing-anxiety-from/id1790365046?i=1000711130337

● Episode 10. What is Perimenopause Anyway? Guide to the Transition Before THE Transition: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-what-is-perimenopause-anyway-guide-to-the/id1790365046?i=1000703711772

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.

Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.

If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Disclaimer:

The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.