Can healing really happen outside the traditional medical system? On this powerful episode of The Alternative Flight Plan Podcast, host Dr. Kristin Barnes welcomes Dr. Jill Richards, Doctor of Acupuncture and founder of Catalysis Acupuncture in Bend, Oregon. With deep experience treating both veterans and civilians, Dr. Richards opens up about the connection between trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic health challenges—especially in patients with invisible wounds like traumatic brain injury (TBI).
In this heartfelt and enlightening conversation, Dr. Richards explores how unresolved trauma—whether from combat, sexual assault, or a childhood experience—can manifest physically as pain, disrupted hormones, heart irregularities, or even loss of vision. She shares her own journey with TBI, how Feldenkrais therapy helped her become pain-free, and why acupuncture and neurosomatic intelligence have become life-changing tools in her practice. Together, she and Dr. Barnes break down how nervous system regulation is the missing piece in the healing puzzle—and why true recovery often begins outside of insurance-driven medicine.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TvwiLlOiGOg
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00:00 Exploring Alternative Healing Paths
03:04 Understanding Trauma and Its Manifestations
05:52 The Role of Neurosomatic Intelligence
09:10 Trauma and the Nervous System
11:56 The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury
14:47 Acupuncture and Its Efficacy
18:08 Veteran Care and Community Support
20:54 Research and Future Directions
24:12 Personal Healing Journeys
27:02 Concluding Thoughts on Healing and Support