Host Susi Vine welcomes Dr. Karyn Shanks, MD, to discuss the power of science-grounded, whole-person healing to restore wellbeing even after chronic complex illness or burnout. Dr. Shanks, author of the book “Unbroken: Reclaim Your Wholeness,” shares how she recognized that current medical training excelled for acute care but lacked tools for chronic conditions, as a functional medicine approach finally relieved her own lifelong issues of recurring injuries due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
They explore how chronic illness reflects adaptive survival patterns rather than someone being “broken,” and how your story and feelings of personal agency along with trauma-informed nervous system support can influence healing. Dr. Shanks explains the limitations of reductionist, symptom-focused care and the impact of chronic stress, reminding listeners that resilience is your birthright, and reclaiming whole health can begin with curiosity, presence, and self awareness.
Inside this episode:
- 02:33 From Conventional to Functional Medical Care
- 04:03 Living With EDS
- 07:50 Finding Agency and Understanding Epigenetics
- 10:56 The Power of Story
- 14:16 Trauma and the Nervous System
- 19:30 Losing Our Personal Connection
- 21:30 Reductionism in Medicine
- 25:35 Why Modern Care Needs More Time
- 27:09 Science Meets Ancient Wisdom
- 28:15 Symptoms vs Root Causes
- 29:30 Stress Causes Problems Upstream
- 33:15 Emotional Trauma and Physical Body Connection
- 35:50 Resilience as Birthright
- 39:17 Why The Process of Healing Can Hurt
- 41:38 Presence as Daily Practice
- 44:04 A Trauma Informed Healing Portal, The Future is Almost Here
Connect with Dr. Karyn Shanks, explore her books and get updates via her website: KarynShanksMD.com
Learn more about the impact of your environment and physical stress in this conversation with Dr. Aly Cohen
Search all episodes of Happified by topic at happifiedlife.com, and join the conversation in the Live with Less Stress facebook group.
The information in this podcast, or in any linked materials, are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any specific health problem, and it is not a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. The content of this podcast is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. It provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects that are deemed reliable at the time of production.
Always consult with your health care provider so that they can address your specific situation with all the information and knowledge they need in order to provide the fullest extent of medical support that you require.
Be well, and thrive!
