Annie Hopper discusses neuroplasticity and its health implications with Dr. Norman Doidge

Annie Hopper, who healed herself from the disabling condition multiple chemical sensitivity using techniques based on the latest findings from neuroscience, shares some other success stories from her recent workshop in Montreal and describes her meeting with Dr. Norman Doidge, author of 'The Brain That Changes Itself'.

Annie developed the Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS) which she now teaches at workshops internationally, often with dramatic results.

Her work is based on the concept of 'neuroplasticity' - the brain's ability to change the way neurons interconnect and how the central nervous system functions. The concept is relatively new but may have profound implications for the way we think about the brain and its relationship to health. Annie hopes her talk with Dr. Norman Doidge will help foster interest in the neuroscientific community regarding multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia and other environmental illnesses.

Here Annie describes her recent activities:

It seems like so much has happened since my last newsletter! The start of 2010 is shaping up to be the best year yet!

One recent spectacular moment is my trip to Montreal in January 2010 where I facilitated the Dynamic Neural Retraining System workshop with some beautiful souls who were all ready and committed to make some huge changes in their lives.

Let me say right now how absolutely grateful I am to help facilitate healing in such a meaningful way. Having lived with Chemical Sensitivities, Fibromyalgia, Electrical Hypersensitivity, the ensuing depression and ending up homeless at one time as a result of illness - I know what it is like to live with this devastating disability and I also know the profound sense of liberation that comes with complete recovery. 
 
Neuroplasticity -- the brain's ability to change and heal itself - truly represents a new paradigm in health and healing.For many at the Montreal workshop, the results of the Dynamic Neural Retraining System workshop were nothing short of miraculous for them as well.

Gary - Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Take Gary for instance. He had been suffering with Chemical Sensitivities for over ten years and had spent over $ 350,000 searching for anything to help him recover from this disabling illness. At one point he even spent a year living in a tent in his back yard.

After the third day of the program, Gary reported that he felt an 80% improvement in his condition and I'm very happy to report that after 4 weeks, he is reporting a full recovery.

I talked to Gary recently and he said "I can go anywhere I want to now". He even went into Canadian Tire and was completely fine...no reactions at all. This was unheard of before the workshop.

And for you Americans who don't know what Canadian Tire is, it's a store that sells - well, yes, you guessed it - car tires.  Think rubber - lots of rubber and then add in a cornucopia of scented household items, like scented candles and cleaning products. For most people with chemical sensitivities, it is completely out of bounds.

Rohini - Fatigue, Chronic Pain and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Then there's Rohini who was poisoned from pesticides twenty years ago.  This left her with debilitating sysmptoms of fatigue, chronic pain, chemical sensitiviites and depression. 

Rohini was highly reactive to all chemicals and her symptoms with exposure included the inability to breath, instant bruising, bleeding gums, elevated blood pressure and disabling depression just to name a few.

Rohini no longer reacts to chemical products like hair products, detergents, perfume and other chemicals. She can think clearly and also does not have brain fog anymore.  The chronic pain that she had endured for sixteen years is now gone. In fact her mother told her that she sounds strong,  like she used to -- before the illness started.  Her energy levels have greatly improved along with her vitality and joy!
 
Rohini now embraces life with passion and is more than elated at her ability to live life fully. Her newfound health and energy will profoundly assist Rohini in her role as an environmental advocate.

Alena - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (An Update)

Alena was a participant of our May 2009 workshop in Victoria.  Prior to taking the Dynamic Neural Retraining System workshop, Alena suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for 20 years. Her pain and fatigue were so debilitating that it would take her 2 hours just to get out of bed in the morning.  She was so disabled that she required assistance with simple tasks such as grocery shopping.

Anyway, Alena just wrote to say "I continue to do well, and have increased my walks to going around Thetis Lake (5km) regularly.  My best week so far included a grand total of 32 kms in 7 days Now that's what I call a transformation!"

Alena, Gary and Rohini are all examples of how neuroplasticity can help heal and assist in recovery from various chronic (and sometimes "mysterious") conditions of Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,  Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Anxiety Disorders, Chronic Pain Disorders, and more.
 

My Meeting With Dr. Norman Doidge (author of "The Brain That Changes Itself")

Another remarkable moment worth noting here is the personal invitation to meet with Dr. Norman Doidge -- author of the best selling book The Brain That Changes Itself in Toronto last month.

He was curious about the Dynamic Neural Retraining System, its neuroplastic implications and interested in stories of people whose lives have been changed through neuroplasticity.

During our 5 hour meeting we discussed Chemical Sensitivities, the immense challenges that it represents for those who live with this disability, the degree of unimaginable suffering involved for those who are severe in nature, the politics behind the chemical industry, and the results of using neuroplasticity exercises to help rewire the brain to assist in recovery from Limbic System Disorders such as Chemical Sensitivities, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Pain, Anxiety and Fibromyalgia.

It was also an opportunity to discuss the environmental impact of chemicals on the human brain and body and the need to change the way we live on this planet. I believe the meeting was a huge success in both promoting awareness of Chemical Sensitivities and forwarding the goal to bring this issue to the neuro science community. Although no promises were made in terms of research - he agreed that the work is credible and that it makes sense. We're confident this is just the start of bringing this condition to the forefront of leading neuroscientists.

You can learn more about the Dynamic Neural Retraining System, find workshop dates, and purchase the DVD Program at Annie's website:

Dr. Norman Doidge's book is available from Amazon:

	The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science   Buy from Amazon.com   Buy From Amazon.co.uk