In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we are excited to welcome Rachel Sarah Thurston, a Lyme disease survivor and creative powerhouse behind State of Sparkle. Rachel shares her inspiring and multifaceted healing journey after enduring years of misdiagnoses, offering hope and insight for others in the chronic Lyme community.

Joining the conversation is guest co-host Ashley Marba, a beloved Lyme advocate and community contributor. Together, they dive deep into Rachel’s path of resilience, creativity, and healing.

Rachel recounts her first encounter with ticks at age 14 during a trip to South Africa. After years of undiagnosed symptoms, she was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2014. Her road to healing has been extensive and varied, incorporating both traditional and alternative treatments that helped her rebuild her life.

Rachel’s treatment journey includes a wide array of therapies aimed at healing her body and mind. Here are the key treatments she has undergone:

• Thyroid Support: Targeting thyroid function to address the effects of Lyme on her endocrine system.
• Live Bee Venom Therapy: A 1.5-year-long therapy using bee venom to boost immune function and combat Lyme bacteria.
• Ozone Treatments: Administered to address parasites and strengthen the immune system.
• Neurofeedback and Tapping: Brain retraining techniques to reduce the neurological effects of Lyme.
• Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS): A program designed to rewire the brain and support healing from chronic illness.
• Physical Movement: Incorporating yoga, walking, grounding, and earthing practices to connect with her body and nature.
• Cannabis: Used to manage insomnia.
• Supplements: To support methylation pathways, vital in the body’s detoxification process.
• Parasite Treatments: Focusing on eliminating parasites that may exacerbate Lyme symptoms.
• SIBO Treatment: Addressing Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, a common complication in Lyme patients.
• Gallbladder Detoxing: Supporting liver and gallbladder function to enhance detoxification.
• Paleo Diet: Following a diet that reduces inflammation and supports healing.
• Binders: To help remove toxins from the body.
• Homeopathy: Using highly diluted substances to trigger the body’s natural healing responses.
• Hyperbaric Chamber: Oxygen therapy to boost healing and fight infection.
• Hydrocortisone: Used to manage adrenal insufficiency and support her endocrine health.
• Prolotherapy: A regenerative treatment for joint and tissue repair.
• Cryotherapy: Cold therapy to reduce inflammation and promote recovery.
• Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medicine technique for pain relief and overall well-being.
• UV Light Treatments: A therapy designed to reduce infection and improve immune function.
• Rife Therapy: A frequency-based therapy targeting pathogens.
• Colonics and Enemas: Detoxifying treatments aimed at improving gut health.
• Past Life Regression Therapy: A spiritual healing method used to explore and release deep-rooted trauma.
• Reiki: An energy healing practice that promotes relaxation and balance.

Key Discussion Points:

• Rachel’s Healing Journey: From early exposure to ticks to her eventual Lyme diagnosis and extensive treatment journey, Rachel shares her struggles and triumphs.
• Holistic and Alternative Treatments: Rachel dives into the diverse therapies she has used to heal, ranging from bee venom and ozone treatments to homeopathy and past life regression therapy.
• Mind-Body Healing: Beyond physical treatments, Rachel emphasizes the importance of healing trauma, setting boundaries, and addressing the energetic aspects of recovery.
• Creative Healing: Rachel discusses how her work as a writer, photographer, and singer has helped her process her experiences and inspire others in the chronic illness community.
• Intergenerational Healing: Rachel shares plans for her upcoming book about traveling with her mother and their shared journey of healing from trauma.

This episode is a powerful reminder that healing from chronic Lyme disease is a multifaceted journey that requires addressing the mind, body, and spirit. Rachel’s story provides hope, insight, and practical advice for those navigating their own paths to recovery.