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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Hugh on June 20, 2022, at 12:29:23
Four months ago, I tried a treatment that targets the vagus nerve, which runs throughout the brain and all the way down to the intestines, impacting the auditory, facial, respiratory, cardiac, and digestive systems. The treatment is called SSP (Safe and Sound Protocol). This is auricular vagal nerve stimulation. SSP was developed by Stephen Porges, a psychiatry professor at Indiana University and at the University of North Carolina.
SSP is used to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, autism, insomnia, inflammatory conditions, chronic pain, autoimmune disorders. Over-ear headphones are used to listen to specially filtered and modulated vocal music, which stimulates and strengthens the muscles of the inner ear, which stimulates the vagus nerve.
I listened to five hours of filtered music -- one hour per day, Monday through Friday. Some people prefer to go at a slower pace. The music can be listened to in a therapist's office or at home.
I found listening to filtered music to be surprisingly tiring. I felt drowsy during each session, and started to nod off from time to time, but never fell asleep. I felt irritable for a few hours after a couple of the sessions. I told my therapist about this, and she said this wasn't anything to worry about -- that the training can temporarily make the brain tired and cranky. Since doing the training, I've made modest improvements in the following:
Better sleep
Better mood
More relaxed
Better digestionI might go in for some booster sessions in a few months.
A detailed explanation of how the Safe and Sound Protocol works:
https://www.emdrwestonsupermare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/SSPScience.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec3AUMDjtKQ
https://www.stephenporges.com/
SSP testimonial for complex trauma and anxiety:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwwAQUjFYbI
This is an introductory video about SSP:
Frequently asked questions about SSP:
https://stepbystepcounselingllc.com/special-programs/safe-sound-protocol-ssp/
There are SSP therapists in over 50 countries. To find one near you, submit this form. You'll be emailed a provider map and a password to access it.
https://integratedlistening.com/about-ils/find-ils-locations/
You might not even have to meet in person with a therapist. Some SSP therapists do the initial assessment and follow-up over the phone or on Zoom, and email an audio file to download.
Posted by Lamdage22 on November 3, 2022, at 13:02:04
In reply to My experience with SSP, posted by Hugh on June 20, 2022, at 12:29:23
Interesting. How did your treatment turn out? Remission?
Posted by Hugh on November 8, 2022, at 11:21:19
In reply to Re: My experience with SSP, posted by Lamdage22 on November 3, 2022, at 13:02:04
If only! Long-term remission has been my goal with every treatment I've tried, but I've never achieved it. Maybe one day I will.
I've felt somewhat better since doing SSP last February. I'm glad I did it, and I may go back for some booster sessions one of these days. Two good things about SSP are that it's fast -- one hour per day for five consecutive days -- and it's relatively cheap.
> Interesting. How did your treatment turn out? Remission?
Posted by Lamdage22 on November 11, 2022, at 4:25:08
In reply to Re: My experience with SSP » Lamdage22, posted by Hugh on November 8, 2022, at 11:21:19
Cool. Yeah I am trying neurofeedback these days. Have you tried combining treatments, too? In theory, 10 helpful things each of which improves you 10% would be enough.
Posted by Hugh on November 11, 2022, at 12:29:08
In reply to Re: My experience with SSP, posted by Lamdage22 on November 11, 2022, at 4:25:08
I tried neurofeedback and SSP years apart. I think that if I'd done SSP first and then started neurofeedback shortly after, I might have made faster progress.
I'd be interested in hearing about what neurofeedback protocol you're using.
Are you right-handed? If so, doing this exercise with your left hand just before doing a neurofeedback session might help. You could see what your neurofeedback therapist thinks of this study.
Posted by Lamdage22 on November 11, 2022, at 22:51:41
In reply to Re: My experience with SSP, posted by Hugh on November 11, 2022, at 12:29:08
Sure, I will happily give you that information. We are still not finished with the diagnostic process
This is the end of the thread.
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