#355 - TMS (Tension Myositis Syndrome) & Mind as Medicine

It's me, Dr. Ben this time. I'm struggling with some TMS symptoms.

Dr. Susanna shared her journey and insight with it nearly a year ago back in Episode #267. And for those totally new to the concept or idea of TMS, my conversation during Episode #76 with Michael Galinsky, the filmmaker of All The Rage: Saved by Sarno, is a great place to start. Or you can watch that awesome documentary film!

So, my right knee flared up on a short run. It's so easy (and tempting!) to just blame it on the run - a tendonitis strain or something. While that may have happened, it doesn't in and of itself explain the nagging and persistent pain.

The fact of the matter is that TMS - tension myositis syndrome - is at the root of virtually ALL chronic conditions... seriously!

So, how do we deal with it? Well it's a very personal process, but I'll share my perspective here in this episode.

PS - I also share a bit in my new Substack you can find at benjaminalter.substack.com
- I wrote an article called TMS - Tension Myositis Syndrome (or Too Much Suppression)

Some highlights from today's episode...

• Why emotional pain is so difficult to feel and how culture makes it easier and more acceptable for pain to manifest physically
• The mechanics of TMS - i.e. the way that psychological stress manifests physiologically in muscles, and all cells of the body
• My view of the "TMS Community" and how I try to avoid the dogma
• Why it makes sense to nurture the physical even though root causes are mental/emotional
• Tips and tools for navigating pain while taking total responsibility for self-healing

Links to some more good stuff

- Get the Alter Health weekly WFPB Meal Guides: https://www.alter.health/meal-guides
- Cleanse with Us during the next Alter Health Cleanse: https://www.alter.health/cleanse
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: https://www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants
- ATTN Health Practitioners! Learn more and apply to the Plant Based Mind Body Practitioner Program: https://www.alter.health/pbmb-practitioner

Peace and Love.

Links to some more good stuff

- SPRING CLEANSE Starts April 7th - Join now and save $20! www.alter.health/cleanse
- ALL NEW EAT MORE, WEIGH LESS PROGRAM - www.alter.health/eat-more-weigh-less
- 1-on-1 Nutritional Analysis Package - www.alter.health/nutritional-analysis
- Get the Alter Health weekly WFPB Meal Guides: www.alter.health/meal-guides
- Work with us in the Thrive on Plants program: www.alter.health/thrive-on-plants