Cheryl Ilov: Healing Chronic Pain with Movement and Martial Arts
It's beautiful to hear that, because that is exactly the journey of healing, that's exactly the journey of empowerment, of transformation, of building an integrity that you never thought you possibly could have.
Ever thought about how movement could be the key to healing chronic pain? In this episode of 'Steps to Sobriety', host Stephan Neff chats with Cheryl Ilov, a physical therapist, author, dancer, martial artist, and former chronic pain sufferer. Cheryl's journey is nothing short of remarkable. After being told by her doctors that her condition was incurable, she took matters into her own hands and discovered the healing power of movement.
Through her exploration of somatic movement and martial arts, Cheryl not only healed herself but also developed a unique program to help others do the same. Cheryl explains how the principles of martial arts, like quality of movement and the mind-body connection, played a crucial role in her recovery. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy in physical activity and overcoming the fears that often hold us back.
Martial arts, in particular, helped her tap into her parasympathetic nervous system, which sped up her healing process. She believes that everyone can achieve vibrant health and vitality at any age by embracing movement as a form of therapy. In their conversation, Stephan and Cheryl dive into the science behind somatic movement and how it integrates with physical therapy. They discuss how movement can help people break free from the cycle of pain and dysfunction.
Cheryl shares personal anecdotes about her martial arts training and how it helped her regain her sense of self and build integrity she never thought possible. If you're dealing with chronic pain or simply looking for a way to bring more joy into your life through movement, Cheryl's insights are invaluable. Her story is a powerful reminder that our bodies have an incredible capacity to heal when given the right tools and environment.