Episode 20: Is “Calming the Nervous System” Actually Making You Worse? with guest Irene Lyon

Chronic illness is often treated as a purely physical problem—but what if that’s a dangerous oversimplification?

In this deep, science-informed conversation, Dr. Eleanor Stein speaks with nervous system expert Irene Lyon about how unresolved trauma, stress, and early life experiences can dysregulate the autonomic nervous system and drive chronic symptoms years later. Together, they unpack why fight-flight-freeze patterns persist, why quick nervous system “hacks” can backfire, and what true healing actually requires.

This episode offers education, nuance, and genuine hope for anyone living with complex chronic illness.