In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].
In 'Becoming Supernatural', Dr. Joe Dispenza draws on research from his advanced workshops since 2012 to show how common people can achieve extraordinary transformations. The book combines scientific research in epigenetics, quantum physics, and neuroscience with ancient spiritual wisdom. Readers learn how to balance the body’s 7 energy centers, free themselves from the past, and create reality in the present moment by changing their energy. It also covers topics such as changing brain chemistry to initiate mystical experiences, accessing the quantum field, and the role of the pineal gland in spiritual experiences. The book aims to help readers develop a more efficient, balanced, healthy body and an unlimited mind[1][2][3].
What if the key to peak performance and longevity isn’t just in your workouts, diet, or sleep, but in how well your body handles stress? Optimizing your health isn’t just about the latest supplements or fitness trends, it’s about understanding your nervous system, heart rate variability (HRV), and how small daily habits shape your resilience over time. Most people try to eliminate stress, but the real goal is building the ability to recover faster and adapt better.
In this episode, I sit down with Salim Najjar, an HRV expert and biohacker who took his health to the next level by learning how to regulate his nervous system. We break down why stress is a signal, not a problem, how HRV can predict when your body needs rest before you even feel it, and the most effective ways to improve recovery, sleep, and overall well-being.
Salim is a biohacker, entrepreneur, and founder of Sound Beverages, a company focused on functional health drinks. After years of pushing his body with extreme training and biohacking, he discovered the missing piece: HRV as a measure of how well the body adapts to stress. Now, he teaches others how to improve their HRV, manage stress more effectively, and use data to optimize performance and longevity.
If you’re looking for real, actionable strategies to train your nervous system, boost recovery, and perform at your best, this episode is for you! Let’s dive in.
We Also Discuss:
00:00 - 07:45 — Why HRV Is the Most Important Health Metric
07:46 - 14:30 — The Connection Between Stress, Emotions, and HRV
14:31 - 19:00 — Science-Backed Hacks to Improve HRV
19:01 - 24:30 — The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Trying to Boost HRV
24:31 - 27:30 — Tracking HRV: The Best Wearables and Tools for Accurate Data
27:31 - 30:00 — How to Use HRV Data for Better Performance & Longevity
Learn more about Dr. Shah:
Website: https://www.drshah.com/
Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/
Learn More about Salim Najjar:
If you are ready to unlock your body's innate wisdom and tap into the transformative power of HRV, join Salim's mailing list for exclusive early access to his HRV Mastery program below:
https://mailchi.mp/thathrvguy/br64h15j2n Instagram: @thathrvguy
Website: www.thathrvguy.com
Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD 
