By: Dr. Chelsea Dakers ND

Toxic shame is an insidious energy that leads us away from our highest good. It interacts with self-sabotage in a self perpetuating cycle that enforces, over and over, choices/behaviours/ideas/physiology that drives us towards suffering. 

I’m going to take a deep dive into toxic shame and self-sabotage and put them into a naturopathic context. I’ll end with some actionable concepts. 

Toxic biofilms are an ecosystem of pathogenic micro-organisms that forms a thick layer along mucosal membranes. Mucosal membranes are naturally moist, so they like to set-up here. Nutrients are hijacked from pathways of absorption, leaving healthy tissues malnourished. Toxic biofilms also sequester toxic metals to fortify their fortresses. This unfriendly gunk smeared across our delightful insides are tricky to get rid of. And we can have them anywhere there is a mucus membrane. 

In the shamanic arena, this is the realm of sorcery, curses and black magic.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) they have fabulous concepts like damp, damp-heat and phlegm. All of these terms relate to toxic shame and self-sabotage. 

This layer of disoriented, inflamed, traumatized tissue can morph into a state of dysharmony where the cells themselves may start to exhibit changes resembling traits of the pathogenic biofilms.

A nosode state is one where the individual feels “i am disease”… it’s a particularly unpleasant place to be. If you are disease then you’ll act like it. You’ll have thoughts, behaviours, habits that continually reinforce this reality. This is self-sabotage, and it points people directly to misery of all kinds.

So what do we do about this unfortunate yet very common sticky scenario?

I’ve made the graphics in this article to help illustrate the recovery process, as i have come to know it.

It is my belief that the biofilm not only had a very physical presence, which we have talked about above. However, it also conveyed a mental, emotional and spiritual experience as well. This must be addressed. Because those ethereal components had a very real impact on the person. 

The zone of disorientation must be addressed. We need foundational nervous system skills to re-pattern away from self-sabotage. And very likely, we need to recover an aspect of the self/soul that split off to survive the insanity it was exposed to. 

If these aspects of the healing journey are not addressed, the likelihood of relapse goes up exponentially. The instigating energetics must be cleared entirely. This is why i love homeopathy, shamanic healing and nervous system work. 

Now, how does pleasure fit into all of this…?

As i briefly mentioned, toxic shame can be weaponized and thrust into people. 

 
And this is why the womb is so epic. Because it will keep it there. Because it contains the void, the Great Mystery, it is a place of Creation. It can hold the potential for all life, and yet also be a repository for great suffering.

In summary, toxic shame and self-sabotage are very common experiences that need a multi-layered approach to address their physical manifestations like toxic biofilms, and also the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. Naturopathic medicine, including clearing pathogens, and nourishing tissues are key. Pleasure practices are an essential aspect for people healing toxic biofilms, toxic shame and self-sabotage, especially for those with a history of sexual trauma. In addition, special care and techniques are needed to re-orient to our highest good and reclaim wholeness.

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The disclaimer… The amazing thing about humans is that we all have incomparably unique health profiles and needs. The health-related information contained in this article is intended to be general in nature and should not be used prescriptively or as a substitute for a visit with a naturopathic doctor/health care provider. This info is intended to offer general information to individuals. If you have questions about how these strategies could be used in adjunct to your current health regime, book an appointment with us or consult a licensed naturopathic doctor for individualized care.