by Dr. Erin Hayford
What is your illness inviting you to become? Welcome to Sacred Illness™, the podcast for people who have faced chronic symptoms that have left them searching for answers. Hosted by Dr. Erin Hayford, a Naturopathic Doctor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner who overcame her own "incurable" autoimmune condition, Crohn's disease, this podcast is your guide to a more profound understanding of what is possible when it comes to health, healing, and the deepest potential that lies inside of getting sick. Inside this podcast, we will explore the following: - The intricate connection between the mind and body, and why this is the most overlooked yet most foundational aspect to any healing journey - How a dysregulated nervous system can manifest as illness - The profound ways in which unresolved trauma can impact our health - The body's innate self-healing mechanisms and how to access it - How illness can be the pathway to a fuller, more authentic life - rather than something that stands in the way - Inner child work, facing fears, working with triggers - And so much more Sacred Illness™ offers a blend of education and personal stories. Each episode, Dr. Erin will provide valuable insights into the nervous system, root causes of chronic symptoms, and techniques for shifting your relationship with your body. Alongside this, you'll hear inspiring stories of individuals who embarked on their own healing journeys and found a path to wellness through mind-body medicine. New episodes of Sacred Illness™ will provide you with a steady stream of knowledge, inspiration, and practical tips to begin, support, or propel your own healing journey. For deeper healing and exploration, check out our offerings at www.aurorasomatic.com
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/10/2023
Email Addresses
1 available
Phone Numbers
0 available
April 20, 2025
<p>In this deeply moving episode of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast, I sit down with Robyn Watt, a former social worker from Ontario, Canada, who courageously shares her profound journey through a cancer diagnosis and recovery.</p> <p>Robyn's story begins with the shocking news of her aggressive, diffuse B-cell, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis and follows her through the physical and emotional trials of chemotherapy.</p> <p>With deep reflections on the symbolism of her illness and a moving ceremony to release her hair, Robyn illustrates how this life-altering experience became an invitation to truly align with herself.</p> <p>Join us as Robyn recounts her path from overwhelming stress and burnout to a renewed focus on self-care, nature, and inner peace. Her insights and resilience offer a powerful message of healing and transformation for anyone navigating their own health challenges. Enjoy!</p> <p> </p> <p>00:00 The Day I Found Out I Had Cancer</p> <p>03:33 Robyn's Journey with Cancer</p> <p>04:18 Life Before the Diagnosis</p> <p>10:19 The Move to Ontario and Its Impact</p> <p>14:47 The Struggles of Single Parenting and Social Work</p> <p>19:58 The Cancer Diagnosis and Initial Reactions</p> <p>25:56 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Treatment</p> <p>38:20 Finding Meaning and Clarity Through Illness</p> <p>44:52 Embracing Life After Chemotherapy</p> <p>45:50 Facing the Fear of Recurrence</p> <p>46:36 The Joy of Remission</p> <p>47:33 The Importance of Self-Care</p> <p>48:49 Reflecting on the Journey</p> <p>50:23 The Deeper Meaning of Illness</p> <p>51:49 Living in Alignment with Self</p> <p>54:48 Finding Peace and Joy in Simple Things</p> <p>59:45 Navigating Systemic Challenges</p> <p>01:08:37 The Power of Nature and Gratitude</p> <p>01:14:42 Ceremony and Healing</p> <p>01:22:13 Final Reflections and Gratitude</p> <p> </p> <p>____</p> <p>Follow Robyn on Instagram to stay up to date with her journey and offerings at @_wildsong</p> <p> </p> <p>____</p> <p>Are you on a healing journey? Are you feeling suck, unsure of the next step, or wondering if a next step even exists?</p> <p>If so, you are invited to join the <a href="http://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Sacred Illness™ Membership</strong></a>, a profound and transformative group that supports you in alchemizing your wounds into medicine.</p> <p>Inside, you'll find all the tools you need to reconnect with your deepest purpose, find all of the roadblocks standing between you and your most authentic health, and the confidence to exist in the world in your fullest, most vibrant expression.</p> <p>This is a space dedicated to transforming illness into a sacred path of growth, meaning, and connection. Join us today!</p> <p>Check out <a href="https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness">https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness</a> for more information.</p> <p><strong>Use coupon code PODCAST to save 20% off of the first month of your membership!</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>____</p> <p>Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way?</p> <p>If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!</p> <p>Click here to apply: <a href="https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest">https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest</a></p> <p> </p> <p>____</p> <p>Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic">www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic </a></p> <p> </p> <p>#chronicillness #healingjourney #mindbodyconnection #naturalhealth #complementarymedicine #alternativemedicine #sacredillness #drerinhayford #polyvagaltheory #chronicpain #biofeedback #mindbodymedicine #somaticexperiencing #pots #mcas #autoimmunedisease #ibs #sibo #fibromyalgia #mysteryillness</p>
March 31, 2025
<p>In this episode of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast, host Dr. Erin Hayford welcomes Andrew, a civil and environmental engineer from the Atlanta area, to share his transformative journey of healing from chronic pelvic pain.</p> <p>Andrew, an avid cyclist, dives deep into his experience with mind-body medicine and how his dysregulated nervous system and inability to process emotions were at the root of his pain.</p> <p>Through engaging storytelling and practical insights, Andrew discusses the steps he took to radically shift his approach to pain, emphasizing pain science, nervous system regulation, and the importance of emotional exploration.</p> <p>This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with chronic pain, offering hope and actionable advice for reclaiming a joyful, fulfilling life.</p> <p>Enjoy!</p> <p> </p> <p>00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain and Nervous System</p> <p>01:53 Guest Introduction: Andrew's Story</p> <p>03:04 Andrew's Journey with Chronic Pelvic Pain</p> <p>03:48 Discovering Mind-Body Medicine</p> <p>08:20 Understanding Pain Science and TMS</p> <p>11:26 The Role of Stress and Nervous System Regulation</p> <p>19:39 Emotional Healing and Somatic Tracking</p> <p>26:58 Practical Advice for Managing Chronic Pain</p> <p>34:09 The Culture Shift and Safety in Medicine</p> <p>34:39 Personal Crisis and Turning Points</p> <p>35:44 Navigating Dark Moments and Finding Hope</p> <p>37:33 The Role of Social Media and New Perspectives</p> <p>38:33 Understanding Pain and the Nervous System</p> <p>42:23 Reevaluating Life and Exercise</p> <p>43:46 The Journey of Healing and Coaching</p> <p>48:10 The Importance of Trying Different Approaches</p> <p>56:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement</p> <p>____</p> <p>Follow Andrew on Instagram to stay up to date with his journey!: @andrewmbcyclist</p> <p>____</p> <p>Are you on a healing journey? Are you feeling suck, unsure of the next step, or wondering if a next step even exists?</p> <p>If so, you are invited to join the Sacred Illness™ Membership, a profound and transformative group that supports you in alchemizing your wounds into medicine.</p> <p>Inside, you'll find all the tools you need to reconnect with your deepest purpose, find all of the roadblocks standing between you and your most authentic health, and the confidence to exist in the world in your fullest, most vibrant expression.</p> <p>This is a space dedicated to transforming illness into a sacred path of growth, meaning, and connection. Join us today!</p> <p>Check out <a href="https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness">https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness</a> for more information.</p> <p>Use coupon code <strong>SACRED</strong> to save 20% off of the first month of your membership!</p> <p>____</p> <p>Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms? Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way?</p> <p>If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!</p> <p>Click here to apply: <a href="https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest">https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest</a> </p> <p>____</p> <p>Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic">www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic </a></p> <p> </p> <p>#chronicillness #healingjourney #mindbodyconnection #naturalhealth #complementarymedicine #alternativemedicine #sacredillness #drerinhayford #polyvagaltheory #chronicpain #biofeedback #mindbodymedicine #somaticexperiencing #pots #mcas #autoimmunedisease #ibs #sibo #fibromyalgia #mysteryillness</p>
March 17, 2025
<p><strong>Episode Overview</strong></p> <p>In this episode of the Sacred Illness™ Podcast, Dr. Erin Hayford sits down with Mandy Neill from Seattle, Washington, who shares her compelling story of living with three autoimmune conditions focused in her gut.</p> <p>Mandy's multi-decade journey through chronic illness has brought her valuable insights and many shifts in perspective, particularly following her third diagnosis in the last year.</p> <p>Tune in as they delve into Mandy's health challenges, her explorations of alternative medicine, and her process of tuning into her body's wisdom. From naturopathy and Chinese medicine to somatic therapy and Qigong, Mandy opens up about the holistic practices that have significantly transformed her relationship with her body and illness.</p> <p>Don't miss this inspiring conversation packed with profound realizations and actionable insights for anyone navigating their own health journey. Enjoy!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Timestamp Overview</strong></p> <p>00:00 Welcome to the Sacred Illness Podcast</p> <p>02:12 Mandy's Early Health Struggles</p> <p>03:40 Navigating Multiple Autoimmune Diagnoses</p> <p>06:23 The Impact of Pregnancy and Parenting</p> <p>08:34 A Crisis Point and New Approaches</p> <p>10:37 The Third Autoimmune Diagnosis</p> <p>14:11 Exploring Alternative Healing Modalities</p> <p>22:40 The Role of Chinese Medicine and Qigong</p> <p>32:22 Living in the Mind: Ignoring the Body's Signals</p> <p>32:39 Discovering the Body's Intuition</p> <p>33:59 Integrating Mind and Body</p> <p>34:28 The Emotional Side of Healing</p> <p>35:54 Shifting Mindsets: From Broken to Responsive</p> <p>39:10 Daily Practices for Well-being</p> <p>42:15 Aligning with Your True Self</p> <p>52:34 Embracing Mystery and Possibility</p> <p>57:51 Final Thoughts and Reflections</p> <p>____</p> <p><strong>About Our Guest</strong></p> <p>Follow Mandy on Instagram to stay up to date with her journey!: @slow_down_to_savor</p> <p><strong>Resources</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Book: "Brave New Medicine: A Doctor's Unconventional Path to Healing" by Cynthia Li, MD </li> <li>Reiki/ Qigong/ tai chi/ acupuncture as supportive healing modalities</li> <li>Mandy's Qigong practitioner: Mimi Kuo-Deemer - check out Instagram, website, and YouTube for free and paid support</li> </ul> <p>____</p> <p><strong>Join the Membership</strong></p> <p>Are you on a healing journey?</p> <p>Are you feeling suck, unsure of the next step, or wondering if a next step even exists?</p> <p>If so, you are invited to join the <strong>Sacred Illness™ Membership</strong>, a profound and transformative space that supports you in alchemizing your wounds into medicine.</p> <p>Inside, you'll find all the tools you need to reconnect with your deepest purpose, find all of the roadblocks standing between you and your most authentic health, and the confidence to exist in the world in your fullest, most vibrant expression.</p> <p>This is a space dedicated to transforming illness into a sacred path of growth, meaning, and connection.</p> <p>Join us today! Check out <a href="https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness">https://www.aurorasomatic.com/sacred-illness</a> for more information.</p> <p>Use coupon code <strong>SACRED</strong> to save 20% off of the first month of your membership!</p> <p>____</p> <p><strong>Be a Guest on the Sacred Illness™ Podcast!</strong></p> <p>Are you someone who has or has had a chronic illness or chronic symptoms?</p> <p>Did you work with any type of mind-body medicine modality to lessen/ heal/ or alleviate your symptoms in any way?</p> <p>If so, we'd love to have you as a guest on the podcast!</p> <p>Click here to apply: <a href="https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest">https://www.aurorasomatic.com/podcast-guest</a> </p> <p>____</p> <p>Music used: Instructions for Living a Life by Savfk - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic">www.youtube.com/@SavfkMusic</a> </p> <p> </p> <p>#chronicillness #healingjourney #mindbodyconnection #naturalhealth #complementarymedicine #alternativemedicine #sacredillness #drerinhayford #polyvagaltheory #chronicpain #biofeedback #mindbodymedicine #somaticexperiencing #pots #mcas #autoimmunedisease #ibs #sibo #fibromyalgia #mysteryillness</p>
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