The 2024 Nervous System Deep Dive

This class explores the intricate interplay between the nervous system, the microbiome, the blood-brain barrier, and the concept of the mind being in the body. We'll review the fascinating architecture of the nervous system, delve into the bidirectional communication of the vagus nerve, discover how the microbiome influences brain health, and understand the protective role of the blood-brain barrier. By embracing the concept of the mind embodied, this class highlights the inseparable connection between mental and physical well-being, setting the stage for the rest of the topics covered in the Deep Dive.

After reviewing the evidence that migraine is primarily a neurological not a vascular phenomenon, and that "tension" headaches are actually a type of migraine, we will delve into what herbs might help prevent and treat the range of patients with migraine conditions. This will include both clinical experience and clinical research, and will include a critique of those herbs that supposedly work but don't seem to practically. Cases will be used to illustrate herbal approaches to people with migraine.

In this class, we'll explore the physiological underpinnings of depressive disorders, recent developments in the field, and integrative strategies for practitioners. This class delves into the intricate interplay between neurobiology, nutrition, supplements, lifestyle modifications, and herbal interventions. Through evidence-based insights and practical guidance, participants will gain a deeper understanding of depressive disorders, explore the role of various factors in their etiology, and discover a range of integrative approaches to enhance our clients' well-being.

This deep dive will look at two very common mental health issues, anxiety and brain fog. Anxiety often encompasses overthinking, intrusive thoughts, inability to relax, worry, and other feelings. Brain fog is a form of cognitive dysfunction with symptoms that include difficulty in concentration, poor memory, dissociation, and inability to be present. Both of these underlying health concerns can greatly reduce one's enjoyment of life. Both have many possible causes, including illness, trauma, and concern about one's self, family, and the world we live in. Herbal medicine can be part of a treatment strategy that is beneficial for both of these conditions. The preparations and herbs can be taken for acute needs as well as taken as nervines to help the nervous system adapt over time. Some of the herbs that will be discussed include Calamus, Damiana, Rose, Wood betony, and Gotu kola.

In this 1.5-hour continuing education class, we'll explore pathophysiology relating to neuroinflammation, including the distinction between classical inflammation and microglial activation. We'll briefly touch on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as traumatic brain injury (TBI). We'll also explore evidence-informed clinical strategies involving diet, lifestyle, supplements, and herbs to support neurological health.

Get up-to-date with the latest info on GLP-1 receptor agonists that are in widespread use for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, among other things. This class aims to dissect both the potential benefits and the complexities associated with GLP-1 agonist therapy. This class is designed for nutritionists, herbalists, and other practitioners who wish to provide informed and nuanced dietary advice to clients using GLP-1 agonists, ensuring both the advantages and potential risks are clearly understood and managed.

We'll explore the relationship between sleep and stress, with a focus on relevance for clinical work. We'll briefly dive into the nitty gritty, exploring physiological connections between the two for a few minutes at the beginning of the lecture. Much of the class will focus on the role of lifestyle "inputs" on sleep and stress, including alcohol, cannabis, caffeine, physical activity, food timing and macronutrient composition. The concept of "sleep reactivity" will be covered, along with suggestions for how to work with clients who want to change their relationship with sleep and stress.

Learn more about supporting clients who have ADHD in the September Deep Dive. We'll begin with a review of the latest information about ADHD and how it affects the body. Then, we'll explore a comprehensive approach to managing ADHD symptoms, including nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and herbal strategies. We will also discuss the importance of lab testing in monitoring progress and the management of co-occurring conditions.

Camille will be covering the basics and physiology, while Niki will teach the clinical strategies.

Chronic stress and trauma are present in all of our lives some degree. These experiences directly impact our clients’ health, both as causative factors and as obstacles to healing. Our own experiences and understanding of stress and trauma will naturally also impact how we show up as practitioners. So, it’s imperative that all practitioners be trauma-informed as part of ethical and effective practice that centers client needs and wellbeing.

This class will introduce the tenets of trauma-informed care and distinguish between being trauma-informed and treating trauma directly. We’ll discuss staying within our scope of practice, determining helpful supports and referrals, and centering client agency in the context of the mental healthcare system. We’ll also review the mechanisms through which chronic stress and trauma can cause and compound various conditions and negatively impact overall health and resilience through alterations in the nervous, endocrine, immune, and digestive systems and their constant interplay. (And, yes, our famous friend, the vagus nerve, will also make an appearance.)

Key approaches to support clients experiencing chronic stress and/or trauma as their primary concern or as part of a larger set of health goals will also be provided, including herbs, nutrition and somatic practices. Finally, we’ll address practitioner resources for working with stress and trauma in our own lives and communities, recognizing that our own unsupported trauma can sometimes pose the biggest obstacle to responsibly and effectively partnering with our clients.

Full description TBA, but generally we'll be talking about neurological implications of infections like COVID, Lyme, and others. 

Monday, Dec 12 from 7-8 pm ET with Camille