Gil Winkelman ND

Restore your heart-body-brain balance for optimal health

Can You Heal Your Life? The Evolution of Mind-Body Medicine

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Can you heal your life? In this episode of Ask Dr. Gil, Dr. Gil Winkelman explores the transformative work of Louise Hay, particularly her book ‘You Can Heal Your Life.’ He discusses the historical context of Hay’s work, its impact on mind-body medicine, and the evolution of these concepts over the years. Dr. Winkelman emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between thoughts, beliefs, and physical health, while also addressing the complexities of trauma and the necessity of creating a safe environment for healing. He critiques the oversimplification of affirmations and the need for a more nuanced approach to healing that incorporates emotional inquiry and self-compassion.

Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Can You Heal Your Life? The Evolution of Mind-Body Medicine
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Takeaways

  • Louise Hay’s work revolutionized mind-body medicine.
  • The 1970s and 80s medical culture was reductionistic.
  • Thoughts and beliefs can influence physical health.
  • Affirmations should empower, not blame individuals.
  • Understanding trauma is crucial for healing.
  • Chronic illness today is influenced by environmental factors.
  • Creating safety is essential for healing.
  • Mind-body medicine is evolving with new research.
  • Integration of emotions is necessary for true healing.
  • Self-compassion plays a key role in recovery.

I am offering several courses and workshops on this and other topics. I mention them in the podcast but here is the link to my current course offerings. The courses vary from a 2.5 hour workshop to a year long deep dive into healing your body and mind to be happier and more productive.

Keywords: Louise Hay, mind-body medicine, You Can Heal Your Life, affirmations, trauma, healing, self-compassion, psycho-neuro-immunology, emotional inquiry, chronic illness

Sound bites

“It’s about empowerment, not blame.”
“Chronic illness is different in 2026.”
“Healing starts with feeling safe.”

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Louise Hay’s Work
11:42 Evolving Perspectives on Mind-Body Medicine
12:10 Understanding Thoughts and Healing
19:32 The Role of Trauma in Healing
25:04 Creating Safety for Healing

The Hidden Aspects of Health: Understanding Your Shadow

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In this episode, Dr. Gil Winkelman explores the concept of ‘shadow’ as introduced by Carl Jung and its profound impact on both mental and physical health. Understanding the shadow can be extremely ipmortant for uncovering underlying causes of illness. He discusses how repressed emotions, particularly anger and grief, manifest in the body and affect overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness and integration of these shadow aspects for healing. Dr. Winkelman also touches on the role of projection in interpersonal relationships and the necessity of creating a safe space for emotional expression and healing.

Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
The Hidden Aspects of Health: Understanding Your Shadow
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Takeaways

  • The shadow consists of disowned or repressed aspects of ourselves.
  • Repressed emotions can lead to physical health issues.
  • Chronic suppression of emotions requires physical energy and has long-term costs.
  • Psychotherapy can provide a safe space for exploring shadow aspects.
  • Awareness of our shadow can lead to compassion for ourselves.
  • Grief and depression are distinct; understanding this is crucial for healing.
  • Projection can reveal our own unresolved issues.
  • How understanding the shadow can reveal the underlying causes of symptoms
  • Integration of shadow requires safety and embodiment, not just insight.
  • Healing is a process that takes time and reflection.
  • Symptoms are signals from the body, not indicators of failure.

Learn more about my upcoming workshops 

 

 

Exploring the Depths of the Shadow Self

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In this episode of Ask Dr. Gill, Dr. Gill Winkelman explores the concept of the shadow self, a term coined by Carl Jung, which encompasses the parts of ourselves that we often reject or deny. He discusses how these shadow traits can be both negative and positive, and how embracing them can lead to personal growth and creativity. The conversation delves into the development of the shadow, its impact on mental health, and the importance of integrating these aspects for healing. Dr. Winkelman also shares practical steps for engaging in shadow work, emphasizing the role of curiosity, creativity, and professional support in the process.
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Exploring the Depths of the Shadow Self
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Takeaways

  • The shadow self includes both negative and positive traits.
  • Embracing shadow traits can lead to personal growth.
  • Projection is a key indicator of shadow work.
  • Childhood conditioning influences the development of the shadow.
  • Trauma can drive aspects of the shadow underground.
  • Integration of the shadow is essential for healing.
  • Rejecting parts of ourselves leads to a lack of compassion.
  • Curiosity can help in understanding our shadow.
  • Creative expression is vital for shadow work.
  • Therapy can provide support in reintegrating shadow aspects.

You can learn about Dr. Gil’s upcoming workshop 

The Neuroscience of Compassion: Building Emotional Resilience

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In this episode of “Ask Dr. Gill,” Dr. Gil Winkelman delves into the complexities of compassion, exploring why caring for others can be both nourishing and exhausting. He discusses the importance of empathy, the neuroscience behind compassionate actions, and how to prevent burnout by grounding oneself. Dr. Gill also shares practical tips for maintaining a compassionate life, emphasizing the need for self-care and setting boundaries. Tune in to learn how to strengthen your compassion muscle without sacrificing your well-being.

Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
The Neuroscience of Compassion: Building Emotional Resilience
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Keywords

Compassion, Empathy, Burnout Prevention, Neuroscience, Self-Care, Mental Health, Emotional Resilience, Compassionate Living, Grounding Techniques,

Takeaways

  • Compassion is a muscle that needs strengthening without burnout.
  • Empathy is crucial for compassionate action but can lead to burnout if not managed.
  • Grounding oneself is key to sustainable compassion.
  • Self-care and setting boundaries are essential for maintaining compassion.
  • Compassionate living involves aligning actions with personal values.
  • Understanding the neuroscience of compassion can enhance empathetic interactions.
  • Chronic stress and trauma can lead to compassion fatigue.
  • Cultural programming in healthcare often leads to self-sacrifice.
  • Micro-moments of self-care can prevent emotional flooding.
  • Changing internal dialogue from ‘have to help’ to ‘choose to help’ fosters agency.

The Healing Power of the Blue Man Archetype

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In this episode of Ask Dr. Gill, Dr. Gill Winkelman delves into the concept of the Blue Man archetype as presented by Matthew Fox, exploring its implications for health, healing, and spirituality. He discusses the significance of the color blue in various spiritual traditions, the importance of creativity for mental health, and the shadow aspects of the self. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, connection, and collective healing in today’s world, particularly in the context of emerging technologies and societal changes.

Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
The Healing Power of the Blue Man Archetype
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Takeaways

The Blue Man archetype represents deep empathy and creativity.
Blue is a spiritually significant color across various cultures.
Creativity is essential for mental health and well-being.
Understanding one’s shadow can reveal hidden talents and aspects of self.
Breath work and meditation are powerful tools for psychological change.
Engagement and connection are crucial for emotional health, especially for men.
The Blue Man symbolizes unity and interconnectedness among all people.
Collective trauma and polarization highlight the need for compassion and understanding.
Spirituality can guide us in navigating modern challenges and technologies.
Workshops can provide practical applications for exploring these concepts. Learn more here

Keywords

Blue Man, archetype, spirituality, creativity, health, healing, empathy, Matthew Fox, Jungian psychology, collective trauma

Unlocking the Power of Embodiment

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In this episode of Ask Dr. Gil, Dr. Gil Winkelman explores the concept of embodiment, emphasizing its importance in understanding mind-body awareness and improving nervous system regulation. He discusses how trauma can lead to disembodiment and shares practical techniques like breath work and somatic therapies to help listeners reconnect with their bodies. The episode highlights the benefits of being embodied, such as enhanced self-awareness and emotional resilience, and offers insights into how to release stuck energy and improve mental health.

Keywords: embodiment, mind-body awareness, nervous system regulation, trauma, breath work, somatic therapies, self-awareness, emotional resilience, mental health, stuck energy

Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Unlocking the Power of Embodiment
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Takeaways

  • Embodiment enhances mind-body awareness.
  • Trauma can lead to disembodiment.
  • Breath work aids in reconnecting with the body.
  • Somatic therapies offer practical benefits.
  • Being embodied improves nervous system regulation.
  • Self-awareness is crucial for emotional resilience.
  • Releasing stuck energy is vital for mental health.
  • Mind-body connection is unhyphenated when embodied.
  • Embodiment fosters clarity and self-assurance.
  • Emotional resilience is linked to embodiment.

Sign up for information about how to be more embodied today.

Neuroplasticity and Attachment: Keys to Emotional Healing

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In this episode of Ask Dr. Gil, Dr. Gil Winkelman explores the relationship between attachment and neuroplasticity, emphasizing that attachment styles can change over time. He discusses the different types of attachment styles, how they affect relationships, and the importance of understanding and processing emotions. Dr. Winkelman highlights the role of neuroplasticity in healing and rewiring the brain, and the significance of therapy and self-awareness in this journey. He concludes with insights on the importance of relationships in the healing process and the need for self-compassion.
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Neuroplasticity and Attachment: Keys to Emotional Healing
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Takeaways

  • Attachment styles can change over time.
  • Neuroplasticity allows the brain to rewire itself.
  • Understanding your attachment style is crucial for personal growth.
  • Emotional processing is key to changing attachment styles.
  • Therapy can help identify and heal attachment wounds.
  • Self-awareness is essential in recognizing triggers.
  • Healthy relationships can aid in emotional healing.
  • Practicing self-compassion is important in the healing journey.
  • The ability to come back together after conflict strengthens relationships.
  • Rewiring takes time and patience.

Find out more about my workshop

When B6 Backfires: Understanding Functional B6 Deficiency and Toxicity

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B vitamins are supposed to help you feel better — calmer, more focused, and energized. But functional B6 deficiency is a real problem. Often when people take vitamin B6 and start to feel worse — anxious, dizzy, or even tingly — it can be confusing and frustrating.

You might even test low in B6 on a lab panel and still react badly to supplements. How is that possible?

This is where we need to look deeper — beyond standard lab values — into what’s called functional B6 deficiency and paradoxical B6 toxicity.

1️⃣ Functional B6 Deficiency vs. True Deficiency

Most routine blood tests measure plasma pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP) — the active form of B6 floating in your bloodstream. But that number doesn’t always tell the whole story.

You can appear “low” in B6 not because you’re not taking enough, but because your cells aren’t using it efficiently.

Here’s why that can happen:

  • Inflammation and oxidative stress can inactivate PLP or increase your body’s demand for it.

  • Genetic polymorphisms (like in ALDH7A1 or MTHFR) can slow the enzymes that convert B6 into its active form.

  • Metabolic bottlenecks in the liver can block activation, leaving you functionally deficient even with normal intake.

If you take high doses of B6 without addressing these underlying issues, you can overwhelm the system — and that’s when side effects appear.

2️⃣ B6 Intolerance or Sensitivity

For some, even small doses of B6 cause symptoms such as:

  • Nausea or dizziness

  • Tingling or “nerve” sensations

  • Irritability, anxiety, or fatigue

Most supplements use pyridoxine hydrochloride, a synthetic form that must be converted in the liver into PLP (the active form). If that conversion process is sluggish, unmetabolized pyridoxine builds up — and can act almost like a mild neurotoxin.

In my practice, I’ve seen people who “should” tolerate B6 but develop paradoxical symptoms because their body simply can’t clear the inactive form efficiently.

3️⃣ The Paradoxical B6 Toxicity Syndrome

This is where things get interesting — and confusing.
Some people show low B6 levels on lab work yet develop B6 toxicity symptoms (neuropathy, burning sensations, nerve pain) at small supplement doses.

Here’s the paradox:

  • You’re low in the active form (PLP).

  • But you’re accumulating the inactive form (pyridoxine).

  • The inactive form can block receptors and interfere with B6-dependent pathways.

The result? You feel worse when you try to fix what looks like a deficiency.

This is sometimes called “functional toxicity” — not because you’re overdosing, but because your metabolism can’t process what you’re giving it.

4️⃣ Other Complicating Factors

Several other systems can amplify this paradox:

  • Histamine and Mast Cell Activation: B6 helps break down histamine. When histamine levels are high (as in MCAS), sudden B6 changes can trigger unpredictable reactions.

  • Mineral imbalances: Copper, zinc, and riboflavin (B2) all influence B6 metabolism. If they’re out of sync, B6 can “misfire.”

  • Gut health: Poor digestion or dysbiosis can impair B6 absorption or conversion, increasing sensitivity.

In functional medicine, we see the body as a web — when one strand is off, the rest feels it.

🧭 Finding Balance: How to Work With Your B6 Pathway

If you’ve reacted to B6 or tested low but feel worse with supplements, here’s what may help:

  • Use the active form — pyridoxal-5’-phosphate (P5P) — instead of pyridoxine.

  • Start low — sometimes as little as 1–2 mg can make a difference.

  • Support conversion with magnesium, zinc, and riboflavin (B2) — all cofactors for B6 activation.

  • Address inflammation and oxidative stress, which drain B6 and impair its metabolism.

With the right balance, many people find they can tolerate B6 again — and experience the calm focus it’s meant to provide.

💡 The Bigger Picture

Vitamin B6 plays a central role in neurotransmitter production — serotonin, dopamine, GABA — and in detoxification, energy metabolism, and immune regulation.

So when something feels “off” with B6, it’s usually pointing to a deeper imbalance in how your body processes nutrients, stress, and inflammation.

In my clinic, we often uncover B6 sensitivity as part of a broader Walsh Protocol assessment, looking at methylation, copper-zinc balance, and oxidative stress markers. When these are addressed, sensitivity tends to ease — and the nervous system begins to stabilize.

🌿 Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever been told “you’re low in B6” but felt worse when you supplemented, you’re not imagining it.
Your body isn’t rejecting B6 — it’s asking for it in a form and rhythm it can actually use.

Functional medicine isn’t just about more nutrients; it’s about better communication between your body’s systems.
Once that communication is restored, even sensitive nutrients like B6 become allies again — helping you rebuild calm, clarity, and resilience from the inside out.

You can learn more about B6, testing, and how to optimize brain health through my new course. 

Understanding Co-Regulation and Attachment Theory

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In this episode of Ask Dr. Gill, Dr. Gill Winkelman delves into the intricate connections between yoga, co-regulation, and attachment theory. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, not just romantic ones, in our emotional and physical health. The discussion highlights how our nervous systems communicate and how co-regulation can aid in healing anxiety and emotional dysregulation. Dr. Winkelman also explores the role of friendships in mental health and the significance of self-soothing and co-regulation in achieving emotional stability.
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Understanding Co-Regulation and Attachment Theory
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Takeaways

  • Yoga and community play a vital role in healing.
  • Co-regulation is essential for emotional health.
  • Friendships significantly impact our mental well-being.
  • Understanding attachment theory helps in emotional regulation.
  • The vagus nerve is crucial for feeling safe.
  • Breath work can help calm the nervous system.
  • Emotions can be processed in 90 seconds.
  • Self-soothing is a learned skill.
  • Healing occurs in connection with others.
  • Letting go is key to emotional healing.
Sound Bites

  • “Emotions last for only 90 seconds.”
  • “Healing begins with co-regulation.”
  • “We heal in connection with others.”

#yoga #co-regulation #attachmenttheory #nervoussystem, #emotionalhealth, #healing, #relationships, #anxiety, #self-soothing, #mindfulness

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Yoga, Co-Regulation, and Attachment Theory
10:30 The Importance of Relationships in Healing
18:15 Healing Through Co-Regulation and Self-Awareness

 

Food Additive Safety Regulations: US vs. The World

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The conversation explores the differing approaches to food safety regulations between the United States and other countries, particularly focusing on the FDA’s ‘generally regarded as safe’ standard and contrasting it with the more precautionary principles adopted by the European Union and Japan.
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Dr. Gil Winkelman ND
Food Additive Safety Regulations: US vs. The World
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Takeaways

  • In the United States, food is often considered safe unless proven harmful.
  • The FDA uses the term ‘generally regarded as safe’ for food substances.
  • Other countries, like those in the EU and Japan, require proof of safety before allowing food products.
  • The approach to food safety can vary significantly between regions.
  • Consumer protection is a key aspect of food safety regulations.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for global food trade.
  • The conversation aims to inform rather than alarm about food safety issues.
  • Regulatory frameworks can impact public health outcomes.
  • The discussion highlights the importance of transparency in food safety.
  • Awareness of food safety regulations can empower consumers.

Download your banned food cheatsheet at https://askdrgil.kit.com/6d929424da

#FoodAdditives #BannedFoods #FoodSafety #OrganicLiving #DetoxYourBody #HealthyEating #NutritionAwareness #CleanEating #HealthTips #WellnessJourney #holistichealth #healing

Contact Me

P: 808-726-2772 (phone and text)
F:503-200-1044
E: info@askdrgil.com

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