452: Dancing with Discomfort: Re-train Your Brain to Conquer Illness | Ben Ahrens

Salt is an ancient mineral that’s essential to our bodies. But not all salt is created equal. Take a journey to the salt pan of the Kalahari Desert with the founder of Oryx Desert Salt, Samantha Skyring. Dr. Motley sat down with Sam to discuss how salt fuels our bodies, the hidden dangers of sea salt and plastic packaging as well as how she sources powerful desert salt.  Samantha’s experiment: If your energy is dragging, try reaching for a glass of water with a tablespoon of Oryx salt (or Himalayan salt) and some lemon in the morning, and start noticing how your body feels with a little extra salt in your system.  ------  Follow Doctor Motley! Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Follow Samantha + her company for more   https://www.instagram.com/oryxdesertsalt/ https://www.facebook.com/oryxdesertsalt/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaskyring/?originalSubdomain=za https://oryxdesertsalt.com/pages/shop-location ------  *Do you want to hear more from Dr. Motley on infections, as well as healing the brain and other organs?  Find full courses in his membership. If you want to explore it risk-free for 15 days and bring your questions to his weekly lives you can join here. *Coffee-lovers unite! Lifeboost Coffee is gentle on the stomach, clean - we’re talking third-party tested for mold and other toxins - and won’t spike your anxiety. Right now you can get 58% off at lifeboostcoffee.com/DRMOTLEY

In this episode of the Ancient Health Podcast, Dr. Thomas Levy breaks down for us how oxidative stress—driven by toxins, infections, and nutrient deficiencies—is the real driver of aging and disease. Liposomal vitamin C and glutathione can provide rapid relief, support autoimmune conditions, and restore cellular function by replenishing electrons the body loses to toxins. Dr. Levy also highlights how dental infections, especially root canals, can trigger inflammation throughout the body, making oral health essential for anyone dealing with chronic illness. The conversation covers everything from the role of B vitamins and niacin in energy and mental health to methylene blue, nutrient loss from processed foods, and his “Super 8” supplement protocol designed to fight oxidative stress. Dr. Levy discusses how:  Toxins are the root of oxidation All disease patterns are caused by oxidation Root canals and disease are linked  Liposomal’s advantage over other nutrient delivery forms Dr. Levy’s super 8 supplements for fighting aging and disease:  Vitamin C — central antioxidant, reduces oxidative stress Magnesium — helps lower intracellular calcium (which otherwise increases oxidative stress) Vitamin D — part of his calcium-modulation groupVitamin K — works with D and magnesium to normalize calcium inside cellsNiacin / Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — fuels the electron transport chain by boosting NAD, supporting ATP productionRiboflavin (Vitamin B2) — supports the ETC (flavin coenzymes)Coenzyme Q10 — critical electron carrier in mitochondrial energy productionMethylene Blue — can bypass parts of the electron transport chain to generate ATP efficiently Get 10% off LivOn Labs entire store of liposomal supplements with code MOTLEY at https://www.livonlabs.com/ Want more of the Ancient Health Podcast? Check out Doctor Motley’s YouTube channel! ------  Follow Doctor Motley  Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Follow Dr. Levy https://www.instagram.com/drthomaslevy/?hl=en https://www.tomlevymd.com/ [email protected] Buy Dr. Levy’s book: The Only Cause of Disease: https://shorturl.at/inbjQ ------  * Do you have a ton more in-depth questions for Doctor Motley? Are you a health coach looking for more valuable resources and wisdom? Join his membership for modules full of his expertise and clinical wisdom on so many health issues, plus bring all your questions to his weekly lives! Explore it free for 15 days at https://www.doctormotley.com/15

Can you re-train your brain to make it through illness or injury, and even improve your healing outcomes? Dr. Motley sits down with Ben Ahrens, a brain-retraining educator, to learn how neuroplasticity truly can help those battling chronic illnesses. Ben shares his story of how a debilitating Lyme infection left him bedridden for years, and how a few simple brain tools made a key difference for him, motivating him to help others.  Takeaways: Limbic kindling, the concept of many imperceptible stressors leading to a nervous system crash, may explain why some people are beaten so hard by infections and others aren’t.  It’s possible to be strengthened by stress if we approach challenges with a sense of safety and a relaxed nervous system.  Breathwork and vision casting, focusing our brains on what brings us joy, made all the difference for Ben. Reading List of Books Mentioned:   Positivity by Barbara Frederickson: https://shorturl.at/z0Zl1 The Brain that Changes Itself and The Brain’s Way of Healing by Dr. Norman Doidge: https://shorturl.at/7r5Ho LiveWired by David Eagleman: https://shorturl.at/yVHXd SuperBetter by Jane McGonigal: https://shorturl.at/05mdS The Stress Prescription by Dr. Elissa Eppel: https://tinyurl.com/3wp4uaku Chronic Pain Reset by Dr. Afton Hessett: https://tinyurl.com/avu95ezz Want more of The Ancient Health Podcast? Subscribe to Doctor Motley YouTube channel. ------  Follow Dr. Chris Motley Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Follow Ben Ahrens + his work Website: http://www.re-origin.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reorigin_official  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@re_origin  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahrensben  ------  *If you’re a health coach looking to advise parents and families, or even if you’re a hardcore health nerd who wants to dive deeper and take advantage of ALL Doctor Motley’s clinical experience, he has a membership to help you get the most out of your health and help the people you love. To poke around in there for free for 15 days, check out: https://www.doctormotley.com/15 *Coffee-lovers unite! Lifeboost Coffee is gentle on the stomach, clean - we’re talking third-party tested for mold and other toxins - and won’t spike your anxiety. Right now you can get 58% off at lifeboostcoffee.com/DRMOTLEY⁠

Erin Power sits down with Dr. Motley to explore how women can change their emotional programming around food and their bodies while also correcting metabolic dysfunction (and how the two things may be more connected than you would guess!).  A nutritionist and health coach with 15 years experience, Erin shares with us the science behind the Epic Breakfast, the psychological importance of nourishing your body well and how when it comes to weight-loss (and health), you may need to work on your feelings more than your food. Want to watch the Ancient Health Podcast? Head to Doctor Motley's YouTube channel. ------  Follow Doctor Motley! Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Follow Erin Power https://www.instagram.com/eat.simple.erin/ https://www.instagram.com/primalhealthcoach/ https://www.eatsimple.ca/ Erin’s Podcast - Primal Health Coach Radio ------  *Do you want to hear more from Dr. Motley on emotional programming, and TCM-teaching on healing the brain and other organs?  You'll find video courses in his membership. If you want to explore it risk-free for 15 days and bring your questions to his weekly lives you can join here. * Charge your cells with pure antioxidant power! Liposomal supplementation has been proven deeply effective and LivOn Labs got there first. Get 10% off your liposomal supplements (anything in the whole store!) with code MOTLEY at livonlabs.com *Coffee-lovers unite! Lifeboost Coffee is gentle on the stomach, clean - we’re talking third-party tested for mold and other toxins - and won’t spike your anxiety. Right now you can get 58% off at lifeboostcoffee.com/DRMOTLEY

Did you know tick-borne diseases, like Lyme, and parasites can affect your brain, cognition and your mental health? Dr. Motley sits down with Dr. Eboni Cornish, Associate Medical Director of Amen Clinics to find how these infections can break through the blood-brain barrier. Dr. Eboni walks through what this looks like, and, most importantly, provides hope that healing is possible.  Labs mentioned: vibrant-wellness.com for gut tests. ------  Follow Doctor Motley! Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Follow Dr. Eboni Cornish https://www.instagram.com/dr.ebonicornish/ https://www.drebonicornish.com/ For more on her work:  https://www.amenclinics.com/ https://www.instagram.com/amen_clinics/ https://www.instagram.com/ilads.lyme/ ------  *Do you want to hear more from Dr. Motley on infections, as well as healing the brain and other organs?  Find full courses in his membership. If you want to explore it risk-free for 15 days and bring your questions to his weekly lives you can join here. * Want balanced, natural minerals in one shot glass? These plant-based, bioavailable minerals work at the cellular level to support natural detoxification, helping you feel light, clear-headed, and full of energy. Head to www.beamminerals.com/DRMOTLEY and enter code DRMOTLEY for 20% off your mineral replenishment order.

In this episode, Dr. Motley sits down with Sara Jane Ho, host of Netflix’s Mind Your Manners and TCM advocate, to explore her personal journey with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Feng Shui. Sara provides some practical, everyday TCM secrets she learned about energy, health and more from her childhood spent in Hong Kong and her adulthood in Beijing.  ------  Want more of The Ancient Health Podcast? Subscribe to Doctor Motley's channel. Follow Doctor Motley! Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Follow Sara Jane! https://www.instagram.com/sarajaneho/ Mind Your Manners Podcast: https://shorturl.at/3Q49l www.sarajaneho.com Sara Jane’s TCM feminine-care products: www.antevorta.us ------  *Do you want to hear more from Dr. Motley on TCM and frequency medicine ways to clear infections, as well as supporting healing the brain and other organs?  Find full courses in his membership. If you want to explore it risk-free for 15 days and bring your questions to his weekly lives you can join here. *Build Strength Without the Strain. Suji is a smart, wearable device that helps you rebuild strength, relieve pain, and recover faster - without the joint stress. Visit trysuji.com and use code DRMOTLEY for your exclusive discount. * Are you looking for simple, non-invasive sound therapy tools for treating anxiety, or providing balance? You can get $100 off a WAVwatch with the code DRMOTLEY: https://wavwatch.com/pages/doctor-motley *Learn more about Urolithin A supplementation (in sugar-free gummy form) at Timeline.com/DRMOTLEY and use promo code DRMOTLEY for 20% off with your first purchase!

Energy healer and friend of the podcast Frank Elaridi joins Dr. Motley today for a wide-ranging conversation about regulating your mind, practicing the discipline of being present and healing emotional energy. While reflecting on his own complete lifestyle shift and spiritual journey, Frank provides tips on how to control your mind and use it as a tool, rather than letting it control you, and how to practice a fuller awareness of the present to feel more calm and balanced. Tools include: Specific breathwork techniques Mantras Tips for appreciating the present Recommended Books A Course in Miracles: https://tinyurl.com/3f5rzeh6   ------  Follow Doctor Motley! Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Follow Frank! Youtube Instagram Learn more about Frank: https://frankelaridi.com/ Learn about his program: https://www.awakenedhealers.com/join ------  *If you’re a health coach looking to advise parents and families, or even if you’re a hardcore health nerd who wants to dive deeper and take advantage of ALL Doctor Motley’s clinical experience, he has a membership to help you get the most out of your health and help the people you love. To poke around in there for free for 15 days, check out: https://www.doctormotley.com/15 *Coffee-lovers unite! Lifeboost Coffee is gentle on the stomach, clean - we’re talking third-party tested for mold and other toxins - and won’t spike your anxiety. Right now you can get 58% off at⁠ lifeboostcoffee.com/DRMOTLEY⁠

In this important older episode of the Ancient Health Podcast, Dr. Motley discusses the relationship between a dry cough and kidney health. He explains how the kidneys and lungs are connected, and how chronic stress, fear and grief can impact kidney function and lead to a persistent cough. Show Notes + Links ⬇️ Takeaways: A chronic dry cough can be an indication of kidney fatigue and imbalance. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway and ACE enzymes play a role in regulating blood pressure and can contribute to coughing. Chronic stress and emotions such as fear and grief can impact kidney function and lead to a persistent cough. Herbal Links: For Kidneys Vital Guard: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/4wkxrjd3⁠ Reishi: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/3hffjn2p⁠ Hawthorn: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/89yt5ds8⁠ For Supporting a Virus Woad: ⁠https://shorturl.at/3FztV⁠ Other Recommendations: Good minerals: For BEAM Minerals head here and use code DRMOTLEY for 20% off ⁠https://www.beamminerals.com/?oid=1&affid=564⁠ ------  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Aggravating Dry Cough 01:24 The Relationship Between Cough and Kidneys 03:00 The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Pathway 04:11 The Role of ACE Enzymes 05:18 Balancing Sodium and Potassium Levels 06:23 The Effects of Chronic Stress on Blood Pressure 09:20 Emotions and Kidney Function 10:47 The Cascade of Kidney and Lung Function 13:23 Kidney Imbalance and Feeling Stuck 15:17 The Connection Between Kidneys and Lungs 16:45 Coughing to Increase Oxygen Intake 18:11 The Impact of Kidney Health on the Heart 19:28 The Implications of a Chronic Dry Cough 20:08 Remedies for Kidney Health and Cough Relief 22:48 The Importance of Kidney Health 25:00 Improving Vascular Health and Oxygen Retention 26:27 Conclusion: Healing the Kidneys to Eliminate the Cough ------  Follow Doctor Motley Instagram TikTok Facebook Website ------  *If you’re a health coach looking to advise parents and families, or even if you’re a hardcore health nerd who wants to dive deeper and take advantage of ALL Doctor Motley’s clinical experience, he has a membership to help you get the most out of your health and help the people you love. To poke around in there for free for 15 days, check out: https://www.doctormotley.com/15 *Build Strength Without the Strain. Suji is a smart, wearable device that helps you rebuild strength, relieve pain, and recover faster - without the joint stress. Visit trysuji.com and use code DRMOTLEY for your exclusive discount.

Learn about tools from both Western Science and Eastern Wisdom for a happier life! In this episode, Doctor Chris Motley interviews Author and Yale Happiness Researcher Emma Seppala. Takeaways: Studies show writing down three things you’re grateful for has a bigger impact than taking an antidepressant!  Don’t choose to look at your phone first thing in the morning. Realize the power of meditation. Balance compassion for yourself with compassion for others - it’s proven to make you happiest! Research shows service to others helps you live longer and feel happier. A 20 minute walk outside can help with anxious or depressed thoughts and feelings. Increase fruits and vegetables to increase your mental health. Sattva App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sattva-meditations-mantras/id930904592 Project Welcome Home Troops: Sky breath training that’s free for veterans and military families, a project by Art Of Living - https://projectwelcomehometroops.org/power-breath-meditation-workshop/ ------  Follow Doctor Motley! Instagram Tik-Tok Facebook Website Follow Emma! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/emma.seppala/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehappinesstrack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappinesstrack/?hl=en Books SOVEREIGN BOOK  https://amzn.to/4cg2Smi HAPPINESS BOOK https://shorturl.at/fdaYR ------  *Do you want to hear more from Dr. Motley on infections, as well as healing the brain and other organs?  Find full courses in his membership. If you want to explore it risk-free for 15 days and bring your questions to his weekly lives you can join here. * Y’all… not all Vitamin C is created equal. 👀Liposomal Vitamin C goes straight into the bloodstream—delivering a REAL impact where your body needs it most. It gets that antioxidant power into your blood and cells.⚡️Here’s the deal: Use code MOTLEY to get 10% off not only the Vitamin C order but the entire site at www.livonlabs.com. This is cellular energy + immune support done RIGHT. 🙌

In this episode of the Ancient Health Podcast, Dr. Christopher Motley interviews Chris Burres, a research engineer and entrepreneur, about the groundbreaking molecule ESS-60 and its potential benefits for longevity and supporting your age-related inflammation. They discuss the science behind ESS-60, its mechanism of action at the cellular level, and the importance of olive oil as a carrier. Important note: you can grab a special community discount on some of the products mentioned at myvitalc.com/drmotley with code MOTLEY. Topics Discussed: The molecule that made rats live 90% longer and improved sleep in studies and anecdotally improves skin. HSCRP and Sleep: What’s in the works? ESS60 may improve Heart Rate Variability (future research is needed) Issues in the supplement industry ------  Follow Doctor Motley! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctormotley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctormotley/ Website: https://doctormotley.com Follow Chris Burres and his company! Social Media https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres https://www.facebook.com/myvitalc https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres https://www.youtube.com/@MyVitalC/videos Book links: https://www.livelongerandbetterbook.com https://www.amazon.com/Live-Longer-Better-Journey-Achievable/dp/B0CFCPVVH3  Podcast LiveBeyondtheNorms Videos for further research Gundry Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMNV4yc1598   Jay Campbell Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU6ZtGymwec   ------  *Do you want to hear more from Dr. Motley on infections, emotions, detoxing the brain and other organs?  You can find video courses from his 20+ years of clinical experience and frequent live Q+As. If you want to explore it risk-free for 15 days and bring your questions to his weekly lives you can join here. * Are you looking for simple, non-invasive sound therapy tools for treating anxiety, or providing balance? You can get $100 off a WAVwatch with the code DRMOTLEY: www.wavwatch.com/doctormotley * Want balanced, natural minerals in one shot glass? These plant-based, bioavailable minerals work at the cellular level to support natural detoxification, helping you feel light, clear-headed, and full of energy. Head to www.beamminerals.com/DRMOTLEY and enter code DRMOTLEY for 20% off your mineral replenishment order.