Western Trained, Holistically Wired: One MD's New Take on Healing with Dr. Debbie Sumner, MD

In this episode of Going the Distance, host Jill Consor Beck interviews Dr. Debbie Sumner, a former clinician turned Reiki practitioner and pain reprocessing therapy expert. They discuss the journey of self-discovery in medicine, the connection between stress and chronic pain, and the innovative approaches to pain management that challenge traditional methods. Dr. Sumner shares insights on Reiki, the mind-body connection, and the importance of addressing emotional stressors in healing. The conversation also touches on the accessibility of alternative therapies, the role of journaling in recovery, and the future of pain management in a healthcare landscape often dominated by pharmaceuticals.More about Jill & Go Long:⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign-up for Go Long’s newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Go Long⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠More about Dr. Debbie Sumner:⁠⁠⁠⁠paintopeacehealing.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Instagram (new!)Jump to:00:00 - Introduction to Healing Journeys02:46 - The Journey from Medicine to Alternative Healing05:59 - Understanding Reiki and Its Benefits09:06 - Pain Reprocessing Therapy Explained12:06 - Chronic Pain and the Mind-Body Connection14:54 - Exploring Alternatives to Surgery18:02 - The Role of Journaling in Healing21:05 - Stress and Autoimmune Conditions23:31 - Integrating Western Medicine with Alternative Therapies25:51 - Debunking Myths Around Pain Reprocessing Therapy28:30 - Skepticism and Open-Mindedness in Alternative Healing29:30 - Pain Reprocessing Therapy for Specific Conditions30:24 - Setting Expectations for Pain Reprocessing Therapy31:53 - Certification and Credibility in Alternative Therapies33:49 - The Future of Pain Management37:39 - Resources and Further Reading on Pain Management40:31 - Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare