Karyn Shanks, MD: The Hidden Language of Illness and How to Speak It

This week, Tee sits down with Dr. Karyn Shanks, a physician, author, and functional medicine practitioner who has spent over four decades helping individuals recover from chronic, complex illness. Once trained in conventional medicine, Dr. Karyn shares that her early clinical experience revealed a gap; she could diagnose and prescribe, but many patients were still left without real solutions. This realization led her to explore a more integrative path, combining functional medicine, epigenetics, neuroplasticity, and transformational psychology to better understand the full picture of human health. Her work is grounded in a powerful belief: the body is inherently wise, and healing begins by listening to it. In addition, Tee and Dr. Karyn unpack the limitations of conventional medicine when it comes to chronic illness and why a "whole-person" approach is essential. They discuss the importance of identifying root causes rather than masking symptoms, and how factors like sleep, stress, trauma, nutrition, and environmental toxins all shape our health outcomes. Dr. Shanks introduces the concept of the "terrain of healing," explaining how everyday lifestyle choices influence our biology and genetic expression. She also shares her personal health journey with hypermobility syndrome and chronic fatigue, offering insight into how understanding the body's signals can lead to meaningful recovery and resilience. Dr. Karyn also emphasizes the importance of personal agency—encouraging listeners to take an active role in their health through tools like comprehensive blood work, toxin reduction, and mindful lifestyle shifts. From supporting detoxification and reducing environmental exposures to addressing emotional patterns and stress responses, this episode highlights practical, accessible ways to move toward vitality. Her book, Unbroken, serves as a compassionate guide for anyone seeking to better understand their body and reclaim their health. The message is clear: you are not broken—your body is communicating, and when you learn to listen, healing becomes possible. Connect with Dr. Karyn: Website Book LinkedIn Instagram Facebook   Follow Therese "Tee" Forton-Barnes and The Green Living Gurus: Austin Air Purifiers: For podcast listeners, take 15% off any Austin Air product; please email [email protected] and mention that you want to buy a product and would like the discount. See all products here: Austin Air The Green Living Gurus' Website  Instagram YouTube Facebook Healthy Living Group on Facebook Tip the podcaster! Support Tee and the endless information that she provides: Patreon Venmo: @Therese-Forton-Barnes last four digits of her cell are 8868 For further info, contact Tee: Email: [email protected] Cell: 716-868-8868 DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS GENERAL GUIDANCE AND NOT MEANT TO BE USED FOR INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER OR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE. Produced By: Social Chameleon