Beyond The "Healing" Trap: 3 Case Studies

Hello, Friends-- I hope this quick note and blog finds you well. As we navigate extraordinary and uncertain times, may you be filled with vitality, health, alacrity, and groundedness. In this post, I’ve divided my thoughts into two parts—both designed to serve you. Part 1: A few case studies from our clinical practice—real stories that show how even complex symptoms can be healed through simple, targeted approaches. Part 2: Reflections on the simple work of Arthur Brooks, PhD and his Science of Happiness. It is a simple and yet profound antidote to the culture anxiety in our current times.  My goal is to give you grounded, time-tested tools for healing—drawn directly from clinical experience, ongoing study, and dialogue with colleagues on the front lines. If I haven’t seen you in a while, please accept my warmest greetings and heartfelt gratitude. And if we’re working together now, I hope this piece adds some insight to the path we’re on.

🩺 Case Study #1: The Perimenopausal Puzzle
A woman came to the clinic with a host of symptoms: Bloating Brain fog Poor sleep Anxiety Joint pain A sense of emotional “languishing” Histamine overload  She was in her mid-40s, and it looked like classic perimenopause—but something didn’t add up. Bioidentical hormones made her feel worse, not better. Instead of chasing symptoms, we ran a full Triangle of Health assessment: structural, biochemical, and emotional stressors. Using muscle testing, we uncovered several layers of hidden dysfunction. Her stressors included:
Fungal overgrowth (Candida) Viral load (likely Epstein-Barr) Bacterial dysbiosis Gluten sensitivity Nightshade intolerance Hormonal imbalance, especially estrogen dominance (from sluggish liver detox pathways) Using the Lebowitz Protocol, we started a precise herbal regimen: Melia (Neem Leaf) – for gut fungal overgrowth Smilax – to bind fungal toxins (mycotoxins) Carbonized Bamboo – to absorb toxic chemicals Rosemary – to support cognitive function and estrogen metabolism Within days, she reported big shifts—less bloating, better sleep, less joint pain. We later added: Reishi Mushroom – for immune and adrenal support Olive Leaf – for gut and viral support Her mood improved. Her sense of purpose returned. Her symptoms began to disappear.

💨 Case Study #2: Restoring Oxygen, Restoring Life
A woman arrived in our office on portable oxygen, shoulders collapsed forward, eyes out of sync. Neurologically, she was in trouble. We immediately looked at gut and environmental factors. Here’s what we found: High oxalate foods were creating inflammation (spinach, almonds, beets, etc.) Mold exposure in the home—confirmed via air quality testing Artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame) were disrupting her nervous system We started a foundational cleanup: Removed synthetic additives and common gut triggers Treated with Morinda (unripe noni) and Melia Adjusted her Atlas (top cervical vertebra) Used neuromuscular re-integration to restore balance to the brainstem and cranial nerves One week later:
She walked in without oxygen. Her posture was upright. Her brain was clear. Her pain was nearly gone. Not magic—just removing the interference and letting the body do what it’s designed to do: heal.

🔥 Case Study #3: Midlife Renewal
A midlife man, burned out and dragging through life, came in with: Depression Fatigue Disconnection from his work and family Root causes included:
Food triggers: gluten, dairy, and nightshades Gut dysbiosis: fungal overgrowth, parasites, SIBO Low testosterone and poor estrogen metabolism Sluggish liver detox pathways We rebuilt his foundation with: Cat’s Claw – broad-spectrum antimicrobial Golden Thread (Coptis) – to repair the gut lining Zinc (60 mg/day) – critical for testosterone and immune health Sheep Testicle – yes, seriously. Rich in hormone-building peptides and enzymes. Specifc Chiropractic Adjustments, especially at his occiput (base of the skull) to reset the vagus nerve.  We also rebuilt his daily rhythm: Walks outside Grounding and sun exposure Weight training Less screen time, especially before bed Today, he feels clear, vital, and ready to lead again.

✨ Final Thoughts: Healing Isn’t Complicated
Each of these stories reminds us: healing can be simple. Remove the interference Support what’s deficient Trust the body’s natural wisdom Yes, trauma is real—but it’s easier to resolve when the brain is nourished, the gut is calm, and the nervous system is grounded. The best medicine is often free:
Friendship Connection Walking barefoot Real food Quality sleep Natural sunlight Lifting heavy stuff Silence Prayer and Meditation Hydration Sunlight, especially early am. 

💛 The Science of Happiness
I often refer to the work of Arthur Brooks, Harvard professor and happiness researcher. His conclusion after years of study? The happiest people do four things well: Friendship – They nurture deep, consistent relationships. Family – They stay connected and invested. Work – They find meaning in service to others. Faith or Philosophy – They have a guiding belief system that is bigger than themselves. They are compelled to grow and give from a direct experience that they are not the center of the Universe.  This aligns perfectly with what we see in clinic: health isn’t just about lab results—it’s about how you live and love each day. As my grandmother Liz always reminded me, “Keep it simple, silly,” a mantra that has guided me through many seasons of life. It is so true that complexity os often the enemy of success, with just about everything you can image. Its even a mathematical “theorem” called Occam’s Razor: the simplest answer, usually, is the right one.  My other grandmother, Ruth, exemplified what it means to be of service, teaching me that true fulfillment lies in caring for others with a generous heart. Walk through life with the love of humanity and God at the center of your heart. As Og Mandino said so beautfully in his primary instruction for success in life and business: “I will greet this day with LOVE in my heart!”  From my years of martial arts training, I learned the importance of hard work and mastery—of committing to the process, day by day, rather than chasing after perfection. If you are on an authentic path, practice IS the way.  As Ryan Holiday wisely says, “The obstacle is the way.” So, meet life head-on, unconditionally. Pour your full energy with absolute presence into everything you do, to the best of your ability. This is a potent ant-depressant!  If something in your life requires change, make that shift—again and again—recognizing that sometimes, it's our perspective that needs realignment. In doing so, we often discover the gratitude for what’s already in front of us, what we’ve been given all along. Never hesitate to adjust your attitude, many times each day as needed.  I love you all deeply, and I look forward to connecting with you soon. Please stay tuned for our updated teaching schedule which will included classes of lay people on the basics of kinesiology and muscle testing.  As for the office move, I’m thrilled to announce that we will remain in Longmont at our current location, where we’ll be upgrading our space and expanding our teaching capacity. Have a most beautiful day.
Thank you for reading. If this post resonates with you or someone you love, feel free to forward it or share it. With gratitude and in service,
Dr. Matt Lyon

​