In Part 1, we explored neuroplasticity, nervous system regulation, and how brain retraining may support chronic illness recovery.

But is brain retraining right for everyone? Brain retraining may support chronic illness recovery, but there are limitations to consider.

In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of brain retraining and what to consider before getting started.

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The Pros of Brain Retraining

• There are a variety of ways to rewire, and that means that brain retraining can meet you wherever you are that day. It is highly flexible.
• Can have positive effects within a few days (I’ve personally experienced this many times when returning to brain retraining!).
• Can be used at almost any time during your recovery.*
• Many have had full or near-full recoveries with the help of brain retraining. It’s absolutely possible for this to be your main tool for healing!

The Cons of Brain Retraining

• Brain retraining requires personal responsibility and consistent repetition, which takes time. Most programs recommend about an hour of daily practice, which is a major reason people don’t attempt to rewire.
  
  • My suggestion is to break it up into two 30-minute blocks per day (first thing in the morning/last thing at night when your brain is most susceptible to change) or 15-minute increments throughout the day. An hour isn’t too difficult to achieve in that way.
• Your nutrient levels do need to be adequate enough to hold the new rewiring. This shouldn’t be a reason to not begin the work — simply realize that it may take more repetition or more time in a certain phase before your body is ready to move on to the next part of the rewiring process. And that is okay!
• Finding the right program can be difficult. Some practitioners move too quickly or programs can feel too intense. (We’ll address this in next week’s blog post.) The results come from building new electrical pathways in the brain through consistent practice. A good brain retraining program helps you recognize progress in your daily practice, encouraging you to keep going!

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One Last Note

Beware of programs or practitioners that bring the shame game into their marketing. For example, “This is all you will need to eliminate your diagnosis.”

While neuroplasticity work is powerful and science-backed, it doesn’t replace regular doctor appointments and testing. We don’t want to be ignoring clear symptoms + patterns or trying to cover it up with a rewiring practice.

Coming Next Week

Brain retraining for chronic illness is an approach worth exploring, but finding the right program, allowing time for repetition, and recognizing your individual needs are important parts of the process.

Next up? My favorite nervous system resources. See you next week!Next up? My favorite nervous system resources. See you next week!