PATHWAY 2
The Brain's Role in Symptoms
PATHWAY 2
A critical first step in the healing journey is to understand the unconscious brain's role.
A critical first step in the healing journey is understanding the unconscious brain's role in creating and continuing pain and symptoms.
The videos and documentaries below introduce the mindbody approach — and the brain's role — in an accessible, evidence-based way. This will likely challenge what you currently believe about how pain works. Most of us were never taught this, and most doctors are still operating under an older model.
Here's what the science now tells us: pain does not always mean damage. As Dr. Howard Schubiner writes in Unlearn Your Pain: "Not all injuries cause pain. Not all pain is due to an injury. ALL injuries heal — and it is the brain that decides whether to turn the pain off or make it persistent."
What the brain learns through neural circuits, it can unlearn. That process is called neuroplasticity — and it's the foundation of everything you'll find here.
The research is growing. The outcomes are real. Stay curious and see what resonates. Without awareness, change can't occur.
All The Rage
A first-person exploration of the work of renowned physician Dr. John Sarno and his novel methods treating back pain. ALL THE RAGE examines the connection between emotions and health. Through interviews with Sarno, esteemed patients, and experts in the field, the film offers a profound rethink of how we approach our health care. Created by Michael Galinsky, a Rumur Production. (2017)
This Might Hurt
A documentary following Howard Schubiner, MD (ATNS Co-Founder, author of four books including Unlearn Your Pain, and co-developer of EAET (Emotional Awareness & Expression Therapy) as he treats three chronic pain patients through their journey to healing and even curing neuroplastic symptoms previously thought to be incurable. A film by Kent Bassett and Marion Cunningham. (2019)
Pain Brain
A documentary following a landmark fMRI randomized controlled trial at the University of Colorado Boulder that challenged conventional views on chronic pain. 75% of chronic back pain patients fully recovered with Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), with brain changes documented during treatment. Executive Produced by David Clarke, MD, Directed by Mitch Dickman, Tim Kaminski & Laurie Polisky (2023).
Proceed to Pathway 3 - Identify Your Unique Drivers
SYMPTOM SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Although the underlying root causes and drivers of neuroplastic pain and symptoms do not differ from one symptom to the next, it is sometimes helpful to see information specific to the symptom you are currently experiencing. For that reason, I have included the following information.
