Dynamic Neural Retraining System

The Premise

DNRS is a medication-free, neuroplasticity-based program that aims to heal chronic health conditions by rewiring the brain’s neural circuitry. It uses a series of self-directed techniques and exercises. The program seeks to induce whole system recovery for the sufferers of chronic conditions and “invisible illnesses” such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Toxic Mold Syndrome (TMS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Lyme disease, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), anxiety, and depression, to name a few. The premise of DNRS is that these types of chronic conditions all originate in the individual’s exposure to some form of trauma. Due to the neuroplastic quality of the brain, trauma can cause the healthy functioning of the brain to become impaired and re-patterned in such a way that is physiologically or emotionally detrimental to the individual. 

Neuroplasticity

DNRS theory is based on the neuroscience theory of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is an unconscious neurological adaptive process. Simply put, the brain can change. It was previously believed that the brain is highly “plastic” (i.e., changeable) in nature during childhood, but that it becomes “hardwired” (i.e., unchangeable) by adulthood. Scientific research now shows that the adult brain retains a quality of plasticity that allows it to adapt, form new neural pathways and connections, and learn new habits. This neuroplastic quality of the brain can work for us or against us. In the case of experiencing trauma, whether it be emotional or physical, the brain can adapt in a way that is detrimental to the individual. But, according to DNRS, the same neuroplastic quality of the brain that allows for detrimental adaptation can also be harnessed to correct it. 

Trauma & the Brain

The DNRS model considers there to be a broad spectrum of trauma at play in creating chronic health conditions. These health conditions can be rooted in either emotional trauma (chronic emotional stress caused by exposure(s) to a detrimental personal experience), environmental trauma (chronic physiological stress caused by exposure(s) to a harmful virus, infection, or toxins such as harmful chemicals or mold), or both. The shock of emotional and environmental trauma impacts a part of the brain called the limbic system. This is a primitive, unconscious part of the brain responsible for our sensory perception and regulates our thoughts, feelings, emotions, memory, and reactions and behaviors. Trauma can overstimulate the mechanisms of this sensory part of the brain, causing it to shift from its healthy natural state into a prolonged self-protective “fight, flight, or freeze” survival state. The fight, flight, or freeze response is a survival mechanism designed to be a short-lived, self-protective reaction to perceived danger. However, when someone becomes stuck in one of these states for a prolonged period of time, their sensory perception becomes impaired and their brain starts perceiving even innocuous sensory input (such a light, sound, physical exertion) as threatening. Essentially, the brain is sending false signals to the body, perpetuating a continuous state of stress that exhausts the nervous system. This can affect both cognitive functioning (causing poor memory, brain fog, confusion, etc.) and physiological functioning (causing pain, inflammation, food or environmental sensitivities and intolerances, low energy levels, etc.). Activities and environments that are harmless for a healthy person can cause significant symptom flare-ups in a person with limbic system impairment. Consequently, their quality of life and emotional health is likely to be adversely affected. For example, they may experience anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks. This can negatively impact their ability to work, socialize, or travel, perpetuating the maladaptive stress response. This cyclical reinforcement can keep them in a “trauma loop” that prevents the body from healing.

The Method

DNRS seeks to correct this dysfunction by utilizing the neuroplastic capability of the brain. The program teaches the individual to retrain and heal their limbic system through a series of specific visual, spatial, verbal, and movement exercises that draw on various techniques such as neurolinguistic programming, mindfulness-based cognitive restructuring (MBCR), cognitive restructuring therapy, and behavior modification therapy. These exercises are designed to alter the brain’s perception of what is safe by producing endorphins that induce a calm and positive state. This is intended to regulate emotion and behavior, thereby deprogramming the fight, flight, or freeze survival state. DNRS practitioners learn how to recognize early signs of an impending flare-up of symptoms (i.e., the unconscious reactions caused by limbic system impairment). They also learn how to use DNRS exercises to consciously interrupt the brain’s trauma loop to establish new neural pathways and functionally adapt the messages the brain is sending to the body. Through consistent, repetitive practice over a sustained period of time (one hour every day for at least six months is recommended), the healthy functioning of the limbic system is restored, and the body shifts from a threatened self-protective state into a state of rest, digestion, repair, and growth, and symptoms are alleviated. Over the course of doing the program, practitioners report reductions in sensory overwhelm, fatigue, pain, brain fog, and inflammation. Conversely, they report improvements in energy, capacity, food tolerances, and a deeper self-awareness and recognition of their triggers. Thus, commitment to this process can result in overall improvements in physical and mental wellbeing.