77. The Mind-Body Connection: Understanding and Overcoming Chronic Pain | Nicole Sachs

Tweetable quote from Nicole

“Your nervous system perceives your repressed emotional world as a greater predator to your life than your physical symptoms.”

Summary

In this episode,Dr. Espen dive deep into the world of mind-body medicine with the incredible Nicole Sachs. She is a passionate advocate for mind-body medicine and healing from chronic pain. Nicole shared her personal journey, which began at the age of 19 when she was diagnosed with a severe degenerative spinal condition that left her in debilitating pain. After discovering the work of Dr. John Sarno, she transformed her life through mind-body medicine, ultimately eliminating her chronic pain and reclaiming her health.

About our guest:

Diagnosed with a degenerative spinal condition, Nicole Sachs faced a future of debilitating pain. After discovering Dr. John Sarno’s work in her mid-twenties, she reclaimed her life through Mindbody medicine. She transitioned from Sarno’s patient to his colleague, lecturing with him at NYU, supporting his patients through her private psychotherapy practice, and continuing his work. For over 20 years, Nicole has researched chronic conditions and guided many to freedom from chronic illness. Her Mindbody approach delineates the brain science behind chronic illness and explains how our physical, mental, and emotional systems are working together to keep us safe. As she lays out in clear and relatable stories and steps, most chronic conditions result from a dysregulated nervous system stuck in long-term fight or flight - a misguided attempt to protect us from our inevitable repressed emotions and trauma. 

📲Find out more about Nicole

Website: https://www.yourbreakawake.com/

📲Find out more about Dr Espen

Website: https://drespen.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drespenwoldjensen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_espen/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr_espen

Check our upcoming events: https://bit.ly/3whDgVo

💡Episode Highlights:

• 00:00:00 - Episode Trailer
• 00:01:14 - Introduction to Nicole Sachs
• 00:02:41 - Nicole shares her experience with degenerative spondylolisthesis and her path to recovery
• 00:03:12 - The Role of Mind-Body Medicine
• 00:05:10 - The Impact of Fear in Chronic Pain
• 00:10:34 - Three Pillars of Healing
• 00:13:11 - The Mind-Body Connection
• 00:18:06 - Chronic Pain Acceptance
• 00:25:01 - Emotional Excavation
• 00:36:11 - Journal Speak
• 00:39:05 - Self-Compassion in Healing
• 00:42:18 - Nicole’s Message to the World