

#413 When the Solution Isn't in Your Body: Healing Chronic Pain with Alexis Joseph, RD
This week on The Less Stressed Life, Alexis Joseph joins me to share her journey of chronic back pain that wouldn’t go away until she uncovered its emotional root. After trying physical therapy, massage, injections, and more, Alexis discovered the mind-body connection and how repressed emotions were fueling her pain. This conversation dives into the work of Dr. John Sarno and Nicole Sachs, the concept of TMS (Tension Myoneural Syndrome), and the healing power of emotional honesty.
If you’ve ever dealt with chronic pain, nagging health symptoms, or the feeling that your body is betraying you, this episode might completely shift how you see healing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Why emotions can trigger very real physical pain
- The role of unconscious stress in chronic symptoms
- What TMS is and how to know if it applies to you
- How journaling and nervous system work helped Alexis heal
- Why curiosity and self-compassion are more powerful than fear
ABOUT GUEST:
Alexis Joseph is the dietitian, blogger, and mama behind Hummusapien, the food blog she created in 2011 in order to inspire others to eat happy, healthy and balanced. She's also Co-Founder of Columbus-based restaurant group, Alchemy. She uses her passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more joyful relationship with food. Through years of experience coaching individual clients, consulting with food brands, and conceptualizing restaurants, she combines approachable recipes with nutrition education to bring peace and joy back to the table.
WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://www.hummusapien.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummusapien/
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
SPONSOR:
Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated this summer? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!