“May Peace Be Upon Us” - Paper and acrylic on 36 x 48" canvas - Courtney Snyder
The "left hemisphere" isn't bad; it's just not an effective place from which to make important decisions.
We live in a world that often feels increasingly “left-brained.” While both hemispheres are always working together, they each have distinct traits, values, and ways of engaging with the world. In this podcast episode, I explore:
On a related note, I’ll soon be sharing details about an upcoming discussion group: "Strengthening the Right Brain in Left Brain Times."
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Attachment, Microbiome, Undermethylation, Low Zinc, Oxidative Stress, Mold Toxicity, Mast Cell Activation, RCCX Theory, Upper Cervical Instability, Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity, Left & Right Brain
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ― Lao Tzu In this episode, I share my personal journey through illness and healing and how it has influenced my approach as a holistic psychiatrist. My hope for everyone listening is that your pursuit of health, happiness, or whatever it is you’re seeking brings you to a place of peace—and inspires a desire to support others on their own journeys. 
The Body Horror Movie "The Substance," Left & Right Brain Perspectives on Appearance, Undermethylation, NMDA receptor, Research on the Impact of Beauty Filters & Mental Health , Beyond the Nightmare
In this newsletter, using the story from the movie, ¨The Substance¨ I discuss likely factors contributing to the main character´s and our culture´s obsession with beauty and youth. I´ll discuss the role of:
Lastly, I discuss what I would hope to see in a sequel of this movie. 
Engaging in gratitude allows us to rewire our minds to perceive our days, surroundings, and lives through a transformed lens.
“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, ‘thank you,’ that would suffice. - Meister Eckhart In recent years, the mental health benefits of gratitude practices have gained significant attention. But, there are also a couple lesser known forms of gratitude that I’d like to share with you. In this article, I’ll cover:
Nutrients, Diet, Environmental Toxins, Accessing the Vagus, Epigenetics, Complex Illness, Mold Toxicity, Lyme & Preventing & Reversing Alzheimer's
After sharing my favorite books for engaging the right brain last year, I thought I’d now share some for stimulating the left brain. Anyone familiar with functional medicine knows the vast landscape of information—some empowering, some daunting, some helpful, and some even alarming. Yet, feeling inundated or fearful isn’t conducive to healing and well-being. Just as pairing protein with carbs helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, balancing left-brain reading with right-brain material can be beneficial. Otherwise, we risk becoming overly focused on the minutiae of healing, which can increase stress and diminish the bigger picture of our lives. The books listed below are designed for those seeking insights for themselves or loved ones, as well as for clinicians aiming to better serve their patients. Each book has helpful information, practical tools, and well-founded hope. 
cut paper, ink - Courtney Snyder
By Courtney Snyder, MD
While rarely discussed in psychiatry, our ability to accept the inevitable uncertainty of life is crucial to our overall well-being. In this newsletter, I will explore:
I like to think of the heron as my spirit animal. I love their patience, their stillness and their quiet confidence embodied by their beautifully aligned neck. Though this one paid me a visit in Florida, I’m always especially happy to see them here in Kentucky.
By Courtney Snyder, MD
The Impact of the Atlas, Flexibility, Neck Injury, Posture, Upper Cervical Instability, and the Vagus Nerve on Brain Symptoms. In today's digital age, with the constant use of cell phones and laptops, we frequently look down, increasing the risk of neck-related problems. A past neck injury or a natural tendency toward flexibility can make us even more susceptible. Flexibility is particularly common among individuals with brain-related or psychiatric conditions, a topic I’ll cover in detail in an upcoming newsletter. For now, it’s important to understand that misalignment in the upper part of the spine, specifically the atlas (the top cervical vertebra), is often an overlooked factor for those experiencing brain symptoms, chronic complex illnesses, or unexplained health issues. The vagus which runs through our neck is involved in all of our body systems and is what puts us into rest and digest. If it is impacted by cervical issues, we can more easily be in a state of fight-flight and shut down (as opposed to rest, digest and connect).
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Although both brain hemispheres are always working together in complex ways, certain attributes are more strongly associated with each side. We engage our left brain when we focus on details—like reaching for a berry. The right brain, on the other hand, scans the bigger picture, helping us spot those berries, notice the nuts nearby, and detect potential dangers in the distance. This distinction matters because many of us can get stuck grasping for berries—whether through addictions, obsessions, or focusing too much on details. We forget to "look up" and see the broader view. Conversely, some get lost in the big picture—overwhelmed by endless possibilities or potential threats—while neglecting the details needed to move forward.
What I love about the left brain vs. right brain model is that it helps us recognize when we need to call on the other half of our brain. Like muscles, if we don't exercise large groups of neurons, they won't be available when we need them. But just like muscles, we can strengthen the neural networks we've been neglecting. Understanding the traits of the left and right brain can highlight where our weaknesses lie.
Each week, I aim to alternate between left and right brain topics to balance things for both my mind and yours. Today, I thought it would be helpful to offer a refresher (or introduction) to this model. Much of what I discuss comes from the insightful book “The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World” by Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a Scottish psychiatrist. It’s a valuable resource for understanding how our brain’s hemispheres shape our experience and behavior.  “Mary Poppins Goes To the Beach” -Made by combining pieces from 3 collages in my Impermanent Art Series. By Courtney Snyder, MD
Half of my work day is spent honing in on details. For each person I evaluate and treat, I’m considering multiple symptoms, lab data, contributing factors, and treatment interventions. Left unchecked, this amount of detail hurts my brain - figuratively and literally. This type of work might be considered “left brain“ and appealing to someone who is “undermethylated,” which I am. The other half of my work day is involved with addressing how, from a spiritual perspective, we:
By spiritual, I mean our inner life. My writing and teaching about the intersection between neuroplasticity and spirituality is essentially about how we exercise those parts of the brain that relate to that inner work. Instead of honing in on details, this is about pulling back and looking at the bigger picture of our lives and our humanity. This right brain work feels good. |
Courtney Snyder, MDFor anyone experiencing brain symptoms. This blog (and weekly newsletter) is your guide to demystifying root causes and learning about surprising paths to healing. From a holistic - functional adult and child psychiatrist dedicated to helping people heal and thrive. Categories
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