In this episode of Open Heart, Priya Rao, MD spends time with Fran Bell inside her office, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how integrative healing unfolds in real time. Rather than a conceptual conversation, this episode centers on observation, presence, and what it looks like to work with the body when symptoms, emotions, and life context are addressed together.

In this conversation, they explore:

■ What it looks like to enter a healing session

■ How the nervous system, physical tension, and emotional patterns are assessed through direct engagement with the body

■ The role of touch, attention, and pacing in creating a sense of safety and participation

■ How physical symptoms are explored alongside life stressors, decision-making, and fatigue

■ Why healing work often focuses on restoring responsiveness rather than fixing a specific problem

■ How gratitude, rest, and nourishment are discussed as lived practices rather than prescriptions

■ The tension between wanting clear answers and allowing the body to guide the process

■ What it means to participate in healing without certainty about outcomes

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and connecting with the body

01:10 Observing the nervous system and physical responsiveness

01:55 Evaluating tension and fatigue patterns

03:00 Beginning physical adjustments

09:08 The role of gratitude in the session

12:48 Discussing nutritional support and deficiency

15:16 Emotional and energetic patterns

21:15 Thyroid and antibody concerns

22:14 Exploring flow and responsiveness

22:52 Changes in lifestyle and awareness

24:08 Fatigue, rest, and self-care

26:31 What it means to hold the role of a healer

28:58 Grief, loss, and integration

32:50 Integrity in healing work

41:29 Connection with nature and grounding

43:05 Healing with horses

Follow Fran Bell

Website: https://franbell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franbell_integratedhealing

Hosted by Priya Rao, MD

Website: https://www.openheartpodcast.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyaraomd

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