Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) (1)
I’m so excited to announce that this week, I completed the training and became a Sound Protocol (SSP) Provider!
I have personally used the SSP since November 2023. Nervous system dysregulation was at the root of my chronic illness and the SSP was instrumental in putting it into remission. Before starting the SSP I tried many different trauma healing programs, limbic system and vagus nerve therapies, and nervous system retraining programs including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing, frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM) including Healy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS), Cranio Sacral Therapy, Osteopathic Therapy, and others. However, SSP was the most straightforward, easy to use, and effective of these therapies.
Since childhood, I have been chronically ill with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) caused by infections, toxic mold exposure, repeated concussions, and exacerbated by Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and trauma. Trauma is a common trigger for MCAS, and I had dozens of concussions starting in childhood. Besides concussions, I also experienced medical trauma from my illness and caregiving sick family members. Many of my clients with MCAS have also sustained both physical trauma (including concussions) and emotional trauma from caregiving. The SSP rewired my brain so that my trauma loops disappeared. With my first-hand experience of using the SSP with trauma, I plan to assist my coaching and counseling clients in understanding the connection between trauma and chronic illness with my chronic illness-coaching clients and caregiver-coaching clients.
You can sign up for the SSP here!
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition that affects all organ systems. It can cause severe, disabling symptoms every day, including potentially fatal anaphylaxis. MCAS often occurs with other chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Managing MCAS is challenging because many healthcare providers are unaware of it, and diagnostic tests can be unreliable. Treatments involve using antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and avoiding triggers. Check out this post on how to manage MCAS.
MCAS symptoms are often worsened by dysregulation of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), especially an overactive sympathetic (fight-or-flight) branch. I have used many techniques that promote parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activation, such as deep breathing, meditation, sound healing, and vagus nerve stimulation, to calm mast cell activity and reduce symptom flares. However, the SSP is the most effective technique I have found to calm my ANS and promote a parasympathetic state, and I am excited to share this with my clients.
Many people with MCAS (myself included) also have SIBO. The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in gut-brain communication, and when the vagus nerve is damaged due to trauma, illness, or toxins, gut symptoms such as SIBO often result. Nervous system regulation with the SSP improved my gut motility and reduced inflammation, which helped my gastrointestinal symptoms of MCAS including SIBO. I’ve discussed the gut-brain connection extensively in my book, “Rocks and Roots”, and with many of my chronically ill clients, and I am excited to offer the SSP as a tool to address gastrointestinal issues.
Nervous system dysregulation also led to my heightened neuroinflammation, which is linked to mast cell activation in the brain. Regulating the nervous system with the SSP helped to reduce my neuroinflammatory symptoms like brain fog and headaches while providing greater resiliency to triggers. Many of my chronically ill clients also have brain fog, migraines, and memory issues from concussions. The SSP has been vital to me in improving neuroinflammation and I am excited to share that potential benefit with my clients as well.
After publishing my latest book on my success with using SSP to heal my nervous system I have referred dozens of people to the SSP. When I saw the chance to become a trained SSP practitioner I dove in. I am thrilled to integrate the SSP as a therapeutic tool into my clinical practice and offer clients the SSP as part of their self-healing plan.
You can sign up for the SSP here!
The SSP is a listening therapy based on Polyvagal Theory created by Stephen Porges to unlock your ability to think, feel, and connect better through nervous system regulation. You use the SSP via an app on your phone and listen with over-the-ear headphones to specially filtered music that heals the nervous system, specifically the vagus nerve. You subscribe to the app with a provider like me and listen to the specially curated music for 30 minutes each day for a 20-day cycle. Studies show the SSP has a profound effect on mental health and chronic conditions:
The SSP is helpful for anyone with a history of trauma, supports many client populations, and may help reduce symptoms and support overall health and resiliency for people seeking support for:
If you’d like to learn more about the SSP, please reach out to me!
The bucket theory simplifies understanding symptom reactions with MCAS. Imagine your body as an empty bucket you don’t want to overflow. Reactions to various stimuli fill the histamine bucket at different rates, forming the total histamine level (how full your bucket is). More histamine means more symptoms. By managing triggers, reducing exposures, and taking medications and supplements, you can control your bucket’s level.
Knowing your symptom progression in a symptom flare is the key to developing your rescue plan. This post discusses how to recognize your symptom progression to be prepared to address those symptoms.
Want a tool to keep track of your symptoms easily? Sign up for my newsletter and you will receive my free 50-page ebook of lower-histamine, grain-free, sugar-free recipes, my free symptom log, and a free two-week meal plan!
Want a tool to easily keep track of your symptoms? Sign up for my newsletter and you will receive my free 50-page ebook of lower-histamine, grain-free, sugar-free recipes, my free symptom log, and a free two-week meal plan!You can sign up for the SSP here!
Rocks and Roots chronicles my journey solo backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail and overcoming nervous system dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms to hike 328 miles successfully.
Healy is an individualized microcurrent device I use to reduce inflammation. Check out this post for more about Healy.
I provide one-on-one in-person and remote chronic illness and caregiver coaching and Sacred Self-Healing Sessions based on the Sacred Self-Healing Method, a proven novel co-creative healing modality detailed in my Books.
Click here for more information.
I’d love to have your reply below!
The preceding material does not constitute medical advice. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, cure or treatment. Always seek advice from your medical doctor.
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