The Dynamic Neural Retraining System™ (DNRS™) is a therapy program initially aimed at sufferers of environmental and invisible illnesses such as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia, of which Founder Annie Hopper was one, but which has also been found to be helpful to those with a wide variety of conditions.

The aim of the program is to "rewire" the limbic system of the brain to get to the root of illness, rather than simply chasing symptoms as medications and other interventions usually do.

The basis of this approach is neuroplasticity therapy, since as stated on the System's website (retrainingthebrain.com) it has been found that "the disorganization of neural networks that occur during trauma can cause deep protective mechanisms within the limbic system of the brain to fire more rapidly and inappropriately."

The result of the above is a heightened chronic stress response that may affect many systems of the brain and body, especially those involved with emotion, sensory perception and cognitive function. Additionally, symptoms may include chronic inflammation, poor memory, brain fog, digestion issues, lowered energy levels, numerous sensitivities, chronic pain, and a host of other ailments. Functions such as detoxification, absorption of nutrients or cellular communication can also become compromised.

DNRS™ is available as a DVD program which includes a series of DVDs with a total running time of 14 hours. The team behind the program also run Interactive Training Seminars, mainly in North America at present but with plans to expand to include venues in Europe in 2019. These seminars involve 5 full days of information and DNRS™ training within a group of typically 20 participants.

The DNRS™ Team state that "Both formats of the program will leave you with a solid understanding of the limbic system and its function, an understanding of the science of neuroplasticity, and of course, the practical tools you will need to implement to rewire the brain and reclaim your health."

The program is experiential in nature and integrates components of:

• cognitive-behaviour therapy
• mindfulness based cognitive restructuring
• emotional restructuring therapy
• neural linguistic programming
• incremental training (a form of neural shaping)
• behaviour modification therapy 

This mechanism-targeted behavioural intervention is based in an affect-science perspective, and focuses on the training of a number of regulatory skills including attention focusing, attention distraction, cognitive reappraisal, emotional distancing and emotion regulation.

With the limbic system seen as the control centre for optimal health, when the brain is working functionally, the body has the opportunity to function optimally as well. This focus on rewiring limbic system function shifts the brain and body from a chronic sympathetic response associated with the fight or flight state into a parasympathetic state, or a state of growth and repair, where true healing can take place.

Many who may be interested in this program often have questions about how much time and effort is involved since these are both limited when one is battling with the likes of MCS, ME/CFS and fibromyalgia.

The DNRS™ website states that: "After you complete the training, you will need to commit at least one hour per day to practice the DNRS exercises for at least 6 months. In order for the program to be effective, it is imperative that you dedicate this time to your daily practice as it is in this daily repetition of the DNRS exercises that the new, healthy neural pathways you will be creating are fully entrenched."

They are also upfront in pointing out that DNRS™ is not a quick fix program. They say that while immediate results may be seen during the initial seminars / DVD program - daily practice of the techniques learned must be carried through for a minimum of 6 months for new limbic system pathways to be fully entrenched and the full benefits realized.

If you wish to learn more about which conditions DNRS™ may be able to help with or for further details of the science, seminar dates/venues etc - please visit the excellent website at retrainingthebrain.com. Seminar places and the DVD Program can also be pruchased directly from the secure site.

There are also a large number of support groups that can be found on the web and social media such as Facebook where others who've attended seminars or are using the DVD program and going through the daily practice offer personal experiences and advice to those just starting out.