13. Removing Obstacles to Cure with Regulation: The Safe and Sound Protocol, Polyvagal Theory, and Naturopathic Terrain

The Vital Spirit Podcast with Dr. Kelly Livingston

What if you’ve done all the right things…but your body still isn’t healing?

In this episode, I delve deep into a powerful (and often overlooked) question: What if your nervous system doesn’t feel safe enough to heal?

We explore the core concepts of Polyvagal Theory, how the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) works to improve vagal tone and shift the body into a healing state, and why regulation is often the most important, and missing, part of any health protocol.

You’ll learn how nervous system dysregulation blocks detox, digestion, hormone balance, and immune repair, and how gentle, sound-based neural exercises can help unlock your body's natural healing potential.

In this episode, we cover:

• 02:00 How a dysregulated nervous system becomes the hidden obstacle to cure
• 03:00 Why you can’t detox, digest, or repair without a sense of safety
• 04:00 Polyvagal Theory 101: the 3 states of your autonomic nervous system
• 06:30 How the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) works—and what makes it different
• 10:30 What titration really means and why going slow leads to deeper healing
• 13:30 How to map your nervous system and identify your “home” state
• 15:30 Sound as vibrational medicine—and why it’s more ancient than it seems
• 22:30 Real case studies: when meditation doesn’t work, chronic GI issues, and trauma shutdown
• 26:00 Why SSP isn’t the cure—it’s the entry point to reconnecting with your healing capacity

Links and resources:

• Free Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/leads-2-3/signup
• Episode 1 Naturopathic Principles: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a148aacf-0b68-41d0-8707-45f6d314c314/
• Episode 2 Therapeutic Order: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6fae6042-8790-4cd9-add5-813f84132a22/
• Episode 4 Gut-Brain Axis: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/47733e90-298c-4bfb-bd76-46b443dd26a4/
• Episode 6 The Vagus Nerve: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b278c36f-eb4e-4004-9cea-44bd78a8db8e/
• Episode 7 Seeds of Health: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4c5b19f1-94c8-4fcc-8e1e-8d29857080dd/
• Episode 11 Part 1 Functional Lab Testing & Terrain-Based Evaluation: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d9c5db5b-1345-4af5-afb8-dcd1b51e609d/
• Episode 11 Part 1 Functional Lab Testing & Terrain-Based Evaluation: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1f2d7e3d-3744-4fd6-bd7c-0283647fcde6/

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingston

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: 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.