63 Part 2: Fascia: Why Stress, Trauma, and Pain Live in the Body

65. The Truth About HPV: Why Some Women Clear It and Others Don't with Dr. Doni Wilson

Receiving an HPV diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to define your future. In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I sit down with naturopathic physician, professional midwife, and women's health expert Dr. Doni Wilson to talk about what's often missing from the conversation around HPV. Instead of asking, "How do we get rid of the virus?" we explore a different question: "Why did the body become more susceptible in the first place?" Together, we discuss how stress, trauma, gut health, hormones, and the nervous system all influence the body's ability to heal. We also talk about why so many women are left in a cycle of fear and waiting, what proactive options exist beyond the standard approach, and how understanding your body's terrain can completely change the healing process. Whether you've recently been diagnosed with HPV, have been living with it for years, or simply want to better understand the connection between stress, immunity, and women's health, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and practical next steps. In this episode, we cover: ● 01:07 Meet Dr. Doni Wilson and how she's helped thousands of women heal from HPV ● 03:03 The basics of HPV, why it's so common, and why a diagnosis doesn't have to be a life sentence ● 04:46 How Dr. Doni became passionate about helping women heal HPV naturally ● 08:15 Her journey into naturopathic medicine and discovering a different way to care for women ● 14:17 Why some women clear HPV naturally while others struggle with persistent infections ● 18:26 The powerful connection between stress, trauma, and immune function ● 24:05 What conventional screening does well, where it falls short, and what to do after a diagnosis ● 27:53 Healing options beyond LEEP and why women deserve to know all of their choices ● 30:42 Real stories of women who avoided hysterectomy by addressing the root cause ● 32:03 Dr. Doni's framework for supporting the body's ability to heal ● 32:44 The gut-vagina connection and why gut health matters more than most women realize ● 33:51 Leaky gut, food sensitivities, and hidden factors that can make HPV harder to clear ● 36:27 Why testing cortisol and neurotransmitters can change your treatment plan ● 39:10 What it really takes to move your body out of survival mode and into healing ● 41:28 The emotional side of pelvic health, toxic relationship patterns, and reclaiming your power ● 43:51 Why HPV often appears during perimenopause and menopause ● 50:21 Individualized treatment plans, therapeutic dosing, and the role of vaginal suppositories ● 56:09 The transformation Dr. Doni has witnessed after helping thousands of women heal ● 59:27 Where to find Dr. Doni, her free workshop, and additional HPV resources ● 1:02:35 Why healing starts by supporting the terrain, not just treating the diagnosis Links and resources: ● Dr. Doni Wilson website: https://doctordoni.com/ [https://doctordoni.com/] ● How Humans Heal Podcast: https://doctordoni.com/blog/podcasts/ [https://doctordoni.com/blog/podcasts/] ● Master Your Stress, Reset Your Health: https://doctordoni.com/master-your-stress/ [https://doctordoni.com/master-your-stress/] ● Secret to Clear HP Free Online Masterclass: https://doctordoni.com/hpv-masterclass/ [https://doctordoni.com/hpv-masterclass/] ● How to Finally be Free of HPV Free Online Masterclass: https://doctordoni.com/hpvfree/ [https://doctordoni.com/hpvfree/] ● HPV Recovery Guide: https://doctordoni.com/ddpp/hpv-guide/ [https://doctordoni.com/ddpp/hpv-guide/] ● Episode 59 Part 1. Homeopathy in Perimenopause: What Your Symptoms Are Really Saying: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/59-part-1-homeopathy-in-perimenopause-what-your-symptoms/id1790365046?i=1000768705747 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/59-part-1-homeopathy-in-perimenopause-what-your-symptoms/id1790365046?i=1000768705747] ● Episode 59 Part 2. Homeopathy in Perimenopause: What Your Symptoms Are Really Saying: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/59-part-2-homeopathy-in-perimenopause-what-your-symptoms/id1790365046?i=1000769789282 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/59-part-2-homeopathy-in-perimenopause-what-your-symptoms/id1790365046?i=1000769789282] ● Episode 11 Part 1. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-1-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000704570884 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-1-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000704570884] ● Episode 11 Part 2. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-2-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000705254063 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-2-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000705254063] Connect with Dr. Kelly: Website: drkellylivingston.com [http://drkellylivingston.com] Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com [http://rootsdeepmedicine.com] Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/ [http://instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/] Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine [http://facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine] YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston [http://youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston] Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential. Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect. Disclaimer: The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

64. When Your Labs Are “Normal” But You Still Don't Feel Like Yourself

Almost every week, women tell me the same thing: "I just don't feel like myself anymore." They may still be managing work, caring for their families, exercising, and checking all the boxes but something feels different. Their energy is gone, their resilience has changed, and despite being told their labs are "normal," they know something isn't right. In this episode, I unpack one of the most common conversations I had on discovery calls and explain why so many women fall into the gap between feeling unwell and receiving meaningful answers. I share how I approach root-cause medicine, why pattern recognition matters more than isolated symptoms, and how learning to understand your labs can help you become a stronger advocate for your own health. If you've ever felt dismissed, confused, or like your body is trying to tell you something no one else seems to hear, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: ● 01:09 Why this week's discovery calls inspired today's episode ● 02:13 What women really mean when they say, "I don't feel like myself anymore" ● 04:17 Why "your labs are normal" isn't always the end of the story ● 07:37 The important questions that often get overlooked ● 10:09 A real discovery call about seven years of unexplained exhaustion ● 11:40 How ANA testing can uncover autoimmune patterns ● 14:04 Why true health is about more than having a diagnosis or not having one ● 15:39 What vitality really means and why it matters ● 19:31 What actually happens during a discovery call ● 23:51 The ferritin "pantry" analogy that makes iron stores easy to understand ● 27:31 How your hormones, gut, immune system, and nervous system work together ● 29:53 How to advocate for yourself and ask better questions about your health ● 37:42 A preview of the Know Your Numbers educational series ● 40:34 Final encouragement for women who know something in their body has changed Links and resources: ● Lab Interpretation Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/lab-guide/Landing [https://drkellylivingston.com/lab-guide/Landing] ● Rupa Health Lab Shop: https://labs.rupahealth.com/store/storefront_6G8Rzpn [https://labs.rupahealth.com/store/storefront_6G8Rzpn] ● Episode 11 Part 1. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-1-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000704570884 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-1-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000704570884] ● Episode 11 Part 2. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-2-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000705254063 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-2-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000705254063] ● Episode 41 Part 1. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-1-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000739475942 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-1-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000739475942] ● Episode 41 Part 2. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-2-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000740607767 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-2-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000740607767] ● Episode 32. What Your Doctor Might Be Missing About Midlife Fatigue (Epstein-Barr Virus EBV): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/32-what-your-doctor-might-be-missing-about-midlife/id1790365046?i=1000728187600 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/32-what-your-doctor-might-be-missing-about-midlife/id1790365046?i=1000728187600] Connect with Dr. Kelly: Website: drkellylivingston.com [http://drkellylivingston.com] Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com [http://rootsdeepmedicine.com] Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/ [http://instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/] Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine [http://facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine] YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston [http://youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston] Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential. Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect. Disclaimer: The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

63 Part 2: Fascia: Why Stress, Trauma, and Pain Live in the Body

If you've ever wondered why your neck is always tight, why your jaw won't unclench, or why your body feels stuck even when your lab work looks normal, this episode offers a different way of seeing what's happening. I continue the fascia conversation by moving beyond anatomy into real clinical practice, explaining how fascia reflects the body's adaptations to stress, trauma, and chronic nervous system dysregulation. Through patient stories and practical examples, I explore why chronic tension is about more than muscles, how creating safety changes physiology, and why healing isn't about forcing the body to change—it's about restoring the conditions that allow it to heal. In this episode, we cover: ● 01:06 Why fascia becomes most meaningful when you see it in real patients ● 02:06 The simple question I ask every patient: "Where do you hold your stress?" ● 03:27 What hypermobility, rigidity, and chronic tension can reveal about your nervous system ● 05:17 Why trigger points and fibromyalgia involve much more than muscle knots ● 07:14 How living in a constant threat state creates an "armored" body ● 11:04 Why creating safety is often the first step toward healing ● 13:33 Looking at chronic tension through the naturopathic "obstacles to cure" framework ● 15:02 How hypermobility can lead the entire body to compensate for instability ● 17:12 Why touch, bodywork, and fascial release can help your nervous system feel safe again ● 19:28 How herbs, homeopathy, and other subtle medicines support connective tissue healing ● 20:54 The connection between your breath, diaphragm, vagus nerve, and fascia ● 22:22 How slowing down and reconnecting with your body can transform healing ● 23:52 The biggest takeaways from the fascia series—and where the conversation is headed next ● 24:21 Why your symptoms are communications, not signs that your body is broken Links and resources: ● Episode 63 Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/63-part-1-fascia-why-stress-trauma-and-pain-live-in-the-body/id1790365046?i=1000774971717 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/63-part-1-fascia-why-stress-trauma-and-pain-live-in-the-body/id1790365046?i=1000774971717] ● Episode 55. The Healing Power of Nature: Understanding Vis Medicatrix Naturae: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/55-the-healing-power-of-nature-understanding/id1790365046?i=1000760210568 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/55-the-healing-power-of-nature-understanding/id1790365046?i=1000760210568] ● Episode 06. What Happens in Vagus: The Missing Link to Resilience, Digestion & Hormone Balance: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/06-what-happens-in-vagus-the-missing-link-to/id1790365046?i=1000700362895 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/06-what-happens-in-vagus-the-missing-link-to/id1790365046?i=1000700362895] Connect with Dr. Kelly: Website: drkellylivingston.com [http://drkellylivingston.com] Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com [http://rootsdeepmedicine.com] Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/ [http://instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/] Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine [http://facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine] YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston [http://youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston] Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential. Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect. Disclaimer: The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

63 Part 1: Fascia: Why Stress, Trauma, and Pain Live in the Body

What if the system connecting your muscles, organs, hormones, nervous system, and even your emotional health has been overlooked all along? In this first part of a two-part series, I introduce fascia through a completely different lens. While it's often described as connective tissue, fascia is far more than that. It's a living, responsive network that helps your body communicate, adapt, and heal. We explore why fascia is becoming an increasingly important topic in modern research, how it responds to stress, posture, movement, hydration, and hormones, and why it may hold the missing link between physical symptoms, nervous system regulation, and whole-person healing. By the end of this episode, you'll begin to see your body not as separate systems, but as one integrated conversation. In this episode, we cover: ● 00:49 Why fascia may be one of the body's most overlooked systems ● 02:52 What new research says about hormones and fascia ● 06:42 The clinical pattern I keep seeing in women struggling with chronic symptoms ● 08:10 What fascia actually is (and what it isn't) ● 11:52 Why hydration, collagen, and movement all matter for healthy fascia ● 13:02 How fascia acts as the body's communication network ● 16:42 Why fascia changes how I think about development, healing, and spirit ● 18:23 How modern life shapes tension patterns—and how we begin releasing them ● 24:11 The connection between your breath, diaphragm, fascia, and healing ● 25:26 A preview of Part Two: trauma, chronic tension, and restoring movement Links and resources: ● Episode 02. The Blueprint for Healing: Naturopathic Principles and the Therapeutic Order: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/02-the-blueprint-for-healing-naturopathic-principles/id1790365046?i=1000684966344 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/02-the-blueprint-for-healing-naturopathic-principles/id1790365046?i=1000684966344] ● Episode 45. How Depression Heals: The Therapeutic Order for Mind, Body, and Spirit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/45-how-depression-heals-the-therapeutic-order-for/id1790365046?i=1000744134391 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/45-how-depression-heals-the-therapeutic-order-for/id1790365046?i=1000744134391] ● Episode 30. Why Hydration Alone Isn’t Enough: The Power of Hydrotherapy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/30-why-hydration-alone-isnt-enough-the-power/id1790365046?i=1000725855973 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/30-why-hydration-alone-isnt-enough-the-power/id1790365046?i=1000725855973] ● Episode 03. Midlife and the Nervous System: Building Resilience Step by Step: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/03-midlife-and-the-nervous-system-building/id1790365046?i=1000684966973 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/03-midlife-and-the-nervous-system-building/id1790365046?i=1000684966973] ● Episode 54. Know Thyself, Heal Thyself: Patterns, Nervous System, and the Path to Integration: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/54-know-thyself-heal-thyself-patterns-nervous-system/id1790365046?i=1000758622096 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/54-know-thyself-heal-thyself-patterns-nervous-system/id1790365046?i=1000758622096] ● Episode 60. How the Body Holds Grief: A Conversation on Healing, Nature & Nervous System Resilience with Dr. Mark Romano, ND: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/60-how-the-body-holds-grief-a-conversation-on/id1790365046?i=1000770913362 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/60-how-the-body-holds-grief-a-conversation-on/id1790365046?i=1000770913362] Connect with Dr. Kelly: Website: drkellylivingston.com [http://drkellylivingston.com] Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com [http://rootsdeepmedicine.com] Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/ [http://instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/] Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine [http://facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine] YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston [http://youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston] Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential. Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect. Disclaimer: The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

62. Supporting Women's Hormones Naturally at Every Stage of Life with Dr. Sheena Jongeneel L.Ac.

Your body is always communicating with you. The real question is: are you listening? In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sheena Jongeneel, licensed acupuncturist, founder of Empress, and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, to explore women's hormones through a different lens—one rooted in patterns, vitality, and the body's innate wisdom. We talk about the connection between stress and hormone health, why so many women feel disconnected from their cycles, and how Eastern medicine approaches PMS, perimenopause, and menopause by supporting the whole person rather than simply managing symptoms. Dr. Sheena shares her own journey from Pilates instructor to acupuncturist, how her daughter's first period and her own perimenopausal symptoms inspired the creation of her wellness brand, and why she believes these midlife transitions can become some of the most empowering seasons of a woman's life. If you've ever wondered what your symptoms are trying to tell you—or if you're looking for natural ways to support your hormones—this conversation is for you. In this episode, we cover: ● 01:06 How Dr. Sheena found her path to Eastern medicine ● 02:48 Why Pilates led her to acupuncture and holistic healing ● 04:35 Burnout, meditation, and lessons from her training years ● 07:52 Understanding hormone patterns through Traditional Chinese Medicine ● 10:35 The personal story behind creating Empress ● 15:33 The connection between stress, qi, and the foods we eat ● 21:26 How herbal formulas support hormones at different life stages ● 26:16 Period packs, first periods, and removing shame around menstruation ● 29:15 Natural options for teens dealing with painful periods and acne ● 30:16 How herbs can help us understand deeper patterns in the body ● 31:20 The relationship between stress and hormone balance ● 33:55 Common signs your body may need extra support during perimenopause ● 37:12 Why your cycle is one of your most important vital signs ● 40:02 The mindset shift that can transform midlife ● 42:09 Mother-daughter hormone stories and cycle synchronicity ● 46:50 Where homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine overlap ● 52:04 Why women deserve to know all of their natural options ● 56:11 Where to learn more about Dr. Sheena and Empress Links and resources: ● The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted J. Kaptchuk: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/214967.The_Web_That_Has_No_Weaver_ [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/214967.The_Web_That_Has_No_Weaver_] ● Empress: herempress.com [http://herempress.com] ● Empress Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empressofhealth [https://www.instagram.com/empressofhealth] ● Empress TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@herempress [https://www.tiktok.com/@herempress] Connect with Dr. Kelly: Website: drkellylivingston.com [http://drkellylivingston.com] Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com [http://rootsdeepmedicine.com] Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/ [http://instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/] Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine [http://facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine] YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston [http://youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston] Connect with Dr. Sheena Jongeneel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheenajongeneel_l.ac/ [https://www.instagram.com/sheenajongeneel_l.ac/] Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential. Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect. Disclaimer: The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.