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Podcasts

Episode 50: Your Body Holds the Key to Healing Emotional Trauma with Dr. I-Chia Sun

Dr. I-Chia Sun’s journey from stressed Western doctor to integrated healer reveals profound truths about our bodies, medicine, and healing. Raised by Chinese immigrant parents who steered her away from her original interest in Chinese medicine, Dr. Sun followed the expected path through Western medical training only to emerge feeling disconnected and limited in her ability to truly help patients.

The revelation came after a mountain biking accident left her with an injury that conventional physiotherapy couldn’t fix. One acupuncture session that incorporated emotional release immediately improved her hand function—illuminating what was missing from her medical practice. This moment rekindled her forgotten childhood desire to study Chinese medicine and set her on a path of integration that would transform her understanding of healing.

Through her study of acupuncture with Dr. Steven Aung, Dr. Sun began experiencing the energetic dimensions of healing that Western medicine overlooks. She describes how conventional medicine often masks symptoms without addressing root causes, particularly when those causes involve emotional components. The limited time doctors have with patients (often just 10 minutes) forces them to compartmentalize complex issues that are actually interconnected.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Dr. Sun shares her discovery of fascial maneuvers—a practice that works with the body’s connective tissues to release not just physical restrictions but stored emotions and trauma. She explains how our fascia holds the physical manifestation of repressed experiences, and how working through these layers can trigger profound emotional releases, memories, and healing.

What makes this approach revolutionary is its emphasis on self-healing. Rather than patients being passive recipients of treatment, they learn techniques to initiate their own healing process. This empowerment represents a fundamental shift in how we approach health—one that honors the body’s intelligence and our innate capacity for healing when given the right support.

Please remember, if you want my direct help, send me an email, via the contact us page, and we will see if we can help you make your lifestyle your medicine.

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Podcasts

Episode 49: Dr. Susan Russell on the Psychedelic Revolution in Mental Health – Magic Mushrooms

Merging ancient practices with modern science, Dr. Susan Russell explores the benefits of psilocybin as a therapeutic aid for mental health disorders, focusing on its potential impact on conditions like depression and body dysmorphic disorder. The episode discusses the intricacies of psilocybin therapy, including its history, current research, efficacy, and the importance of psychotherapy in achieving successful treatment outcomes.

  • Exploring psilocybin’s historical context and cultural significance 
  • Understanding the neuroscience behind psilocybin and its impacts on brain connectivity 
  • Personal journey of Dr. Russell into psilocybin research 
  • Investigating psilocybin’s role in body dysmorphic disorder treatment 
  • Caution regarding efficacy and variability of treatment outcomes 
  • The necessity of therapy as a component of psilocybin experiences 
  • Current regulatory challenges in psilocybin therapy implementation 
  • Future research directions and emerging trends in psychedelic therapy

Dr. Susan Rossell is a clinical neuropsychologist and cognitive neuroscientist, recognized internationally for her pioneering research in mental health and neurocognitive disorders. Originally from the UK she is now based in Australia and serves as a Professorial Research Fellow at Swinburne University of Technology and was the inaugural Director of its Centre for Mental Health. Her expertise spans schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and anxiety, focusing on both neuroimaging and cognitive mechanisms.

Over her career, she has published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles and her research has helped bridge the gap between neuroscience and mental health treatment. 

If you have enjoyed listening to and learning from this podcast, please leave a comment, and also you can leave a suggestion for a future podcast guest that you would like us to feature. If you are on Apple, you can leave us a comment, a five-star review, if you can pretty.

Please remember, if you want my direct help, send me an email, ed at edpadget.com, or visit my website, edpadgett.com, where you can learn a little bit more about how I can help you make your lifestyle your medicine.

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Blog

Is Life Extension Possible? What Does the Science Say?

Aging is no longer seen as an inevitable decline but as a process influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. While there is still much to uncover, scientific advancements have given us valuable insights into how aging works. Ignoring these discoveries means missing opportunities to enhance both healthspan (the years we live in good health) and lifespan.

In a recent podcast, I had the pleasure of discussing this topic with Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, a leading expert in the field of aging biology. Dr. Kaeberlein is a professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and has devoted his career to studying the biological mechanisms of aging. His work focuses on improving the quality of life for both humans and animals, particularly through the Dog Aging Project.

The Dog Aging Project: What Can Dogs Teach Us About Aging?

One of the most exciting initiatives in aging research is the Dog Aging Project, where Dr. Kaeberlein plays a key role. This large-scale study examines how genetics and environmental factors influence aging in companion dogs. Because dogs share many aspects of human environments, they provide a unique opportunity to study aging in a way that directly translates to human health.

Studies suggest that around 70% of human longevity is determined by environmental factors such as lifestyle choices, diet, and activity levels. By understanding how these factors impact aging in dogs, researchers can apply similar principles to human longevity.

Can Supplements Slow Aging?

Rapamycin: A Potential Breakthrough

One of the most promising anti-aging compounds being studied is rapamycin, a drug originally used to prevent organ transplant rejection. Initial studies in laboratory animals have shown that rapamycin can slow aging and extend lifespan. Now, the Dog Aging Project is conducting a clinical trial to see if these benefits extend to dogs.

Dr. Kaeberlein’s Personal Experience with Rapamycin

During our podcast, Dr. Kaeberlein shared his personal experience with rapamycin. He used it to treat a painful shoulder condition and reported significant improvements within weeks. His case highlights rapamycin’s potential in addressing age-related inflammation, a key contributor to many chronic diseases.

The Role of Inflammation in Aging

As we age, chronic inflammation becomes a major factor in health decline. This low-grade, persistent inflammation is linked to conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Research suggests that interventions like rapamycin, lifestyle modifications, and dietary adjustments can help reduce this inflammation, potentially improving overall health.

Lifestyle Interventions for Longevity

While supplements like rapamycin hold promise, the foundation of healthy aging remains rooted in lifestyle choices. Key interventions include:

  • A nutrient-rich diet: Prioritizing whole foods, lean proteins, and antioxidants.
  • Regular physical activity: Exercise helps maintain muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and mobility.
  • Quality sleep: Sleep is essential for cellular repair and overall well-being.

By adopting these habits, individuals can positively influence their aging trajectory, regardless of genetic predisposition.

Challenges in Aging Research

Despite its immense potential, aging research faces significant funding challenges. Most healthcare funding is allocated to treating individual diseases rather than addressing aging itself. Shifting focus toward the biology of aging could lead to breakthroughs in preventing multiple age-related diseases at once.

The Future of Aging Research

The future of aging research looks promising, with advancements in AI, epigenetics, and clinical trials opening new possibilities. As we continue to explore ways to modify aging, we may soon reach a point where extending both lifespan and healthspan becomes a reality.

Final Thoughts

We stand at the forefront of a revolution in aging science. By understanding and applying the latest research, we can shift from merely treating age-related diseases to preventing them altogether. Whether through groundbreaking treatments like rapamycin or simple lifestyle adjustments, the potential to live longer, healthier lives is within reach.

For a deeper dive into this topic, listen to my full conversation with Dr. Matt Kaeberlein on the podcast. And if you try any of these strategies, let me know how they work for you!