Ancient Health Podcast

A rash baffled 25 years of dermatologists. It disappeared in a week once Dr. Steven Zodkoy traced it to a childhood memory. Here's what that case, and the concept of a "biofilm," has to do with your migraines and your bladder. Dr. Chris Motley sits down with Dr. Steven Zodkoy, a chiropractor and applied kinesiologist who became the first in his field to pass the American College of Nutrition exam, a credential previously reserved for MDs and PhDs. Thirty-five years into practice, Dr. Zodkoy specializes in the patient conventional medicine gave up on: the migraine sufferer, the "recurring UTI" patient who never actually had a UTI, the chronic fatigue case with a normal bloodwork panel.

His framework rests on one idea most doctors do not test for: the biofilm, a sticky protective layer that bacteria, viruses, mold, and parasites lay down to hide from the immune system and from treatment. Once one pathogen builds a biofilm, Zodkoy argues, it invites others in, which is why a "cured" infection so often resurfaces as something else entirely, chronic sinusitis becoming Lyme-like fatigue, a bladder infection becoming a lifetime of unexplained pelvic tightness, a resistant childhood strain becoming an adult autoimmune diagnosis.

Key Takeaways

Biofilms are why a "cleared" infection keeps coming back as something else. A biofilm is the mucous-like shield a bacterium, virus, parasite, or mold colony builds to hide from the immune system and from antibiotics. Once it's there, he says, it invites other pathogens to shelter in it too, which can explain why chronic sinusitis, Lyme-linked fatigue, and mold exposure so often show up in the same patient.

Interstitial cystitis is frequently a tight-bladder problem being treated as a recurrent UTI. Dr. Zodkoy's read: stress and anxiety tighten the bladder, it never fully empties, and what's left behind gets infected, so the antibiotic treats a symptom while the muscle stays tight and the infections keep returning. His protocol adjusts the pelvic floor and pubic symphysis, then layers in biofilm-breaking supplements and emotional work.

A 25-year rash resolved after one round of Neuro-Emotional Technique tied to an age-seven memory. Every physical test on this patient, mold, yeast, parasites, heavy metals, came back clean. Emotional testing didn't.

His migraine protocol runs liver support first, nervous system second, emotional work third, in that order, on purpose. Dr. Zodkoy's 1992 theory ties migraines to a slow-functioning liver overloaded by chemical exposure, hormones, or diet. He walks us through his 8-week liver protocol, 16 weeks including autonomic nervous system support, and a 96% success rate once emotional work is added.

You cannot do deep detox or trauma work on a nervous system that has nothing left. There’s no point moving to detox, biofilm-clearing, or emotional release until a patient's self-rated energy crosses roughly 50 to 60 out of 100.

[00:00:00] Cold open: migraines, interstitial cystitis, chronic fatigue, and the biofilm nobody explains

[00:02:02] Origin story: "doctor, lawyer, doctor" and practicing three months before 25

[00:04:04] Why he became a nutritionist first: the autonomic nervous system as the missing piece

[00:06:08] Finding a hidden emotion: the six-minute visit versus a real history

[00:09:37] The HPA axis toolkit: DHEA, GABA, adaptogens, and a gut bacterium built for stress

[00:11:27] NET, emotion code, and generational trauma: "it doesn't have to be real, it has to be believed"

[00:14:36] The 25-year rash: a muscle test, a forgotten age seven, and a mother's confession

[00:19:04] Migraines: the 1992 liver theory, the 80/20 split, and a claimed 96% success rate

[00:23:43] Interstitial cystitis is not a UTI: the tight bladder nobody is treating [00:27:06]

Killing the biofilm: natokinase, antimicrobials, and cranial electrotherapy stimulation

[00:31:29] The sympathetic-parasympathetic seesaw, and why healing collapses without it

[00:34:59] The "oomph" scale: testing cortisol at home and in the office

[00:36:27] The protocol in order: glandulars, adaptogens, and parasympathetic support, dosed on purpose

[00:43:30] Chronic fatigue, sinus biofilms, and the "house party" that becomes Lyme, EBV, and mold

[00:47:19] Parasites in America, and the TG/HDL ratio he says predicts heart risk

[01:00:02] Closing: where to find Dr. Zodkoy, and a teed-up follow-up on the healthcare system

Resources Mentioned Tools & Products

Biofilm Clear: Zodkoy's stated favorite combination product for breaking down biofilms, made up of natokinase, serrapeptase, lumbrokinase, and bromelain. He describes dosing at 2000 IU for patients under 50 and up to 4000 IU for patients over 50 with abnormal bloodwork.

CP2305 (referenced in audio as "PC2305"): a Lactobacillus gasseri probiotic strain studied for stress and HPA-axis effects.

True Laser: a home low-level laser device Zodkoy places over the vagus nerve.

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) units: clip-on-the-ear devices Zodkoy uses for anxiety, sleep, depression, and (with pads placed over the bladder) interstitial cystitis relief.

Adrenal glandular products (brand examples given: Adrenal Complex from Designs for Health, Adrenal from Orthomolecular, Cortex from Thorne Research), used at a fraction of label dose, one pill in the morning only, per Zodkoy's protocol.

Adaptogens referenced: ashwagandha, holy basil, rhodiola, cordyceps. • Nervous-system support referenced: DHEA, L-theanine, GABA, phosphatidylserine, adrenoglandulars.

Antimicrobials referenced for biofilm-associated infections: berberine, olive leaf, oregano.

Nutrients referenced for liver-support migraine protocol: B vitamins, glutathione, NAC. Concepts referenced:

HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal): the stress-response pathway Zodkoy targets before any other intervention.

Applied kinesiology: manual muscle testing Zodkoy uses to distinguish emotional, physical, biochemical, parasitic, fungal, or toxic causes of a symptom.

NET (Neuro-Emotional Technique), Emotion Code, Body Code: hands-on techniques used to locate and release stored emotional triggers.

Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system balance: the "seesaw" framework underlying his treatment sequencing. • Triglyceride-to-HDL ratio: Zodkoy's preferred cardiovascular risk marker over total cholestero

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A viral documentary sent thousands of people rushing to pull their teeth. The theory behind it — the focal infection theory — dates back to a dentist in the 1920s named Weston Price, was largely rejected by the mid-twentieth century, and yet has roared back to life on the internet with enough force to create genuine panic. Dr. Chris Motley isn't here to add to that panic. He's here to do something more useful: look at the science and arguments behind both sides of the issue, and surface the conversation about oral health and the whole-body connection that nobody in mainstream dentistry wants to have.

In this episode you'll discover:

The focal infection theory explained — where it came from, why it was rejected, and why it went viral again a hundred years later

The verified research finding that should be in every dentist's waiting room: oral bacteria linked to Alzheimer's disease has been found in patients' brains, and gum bacteria has been found in heart arteries

What the meridian tooth chart is — the ancient Chinese medicine map that connected every single tooth to a specific organ thousands of years before modern diagnostics existed

How EAV testing (electroacupuncture according to Voll) measures the electrical conductivity of meridian points — and what it reveals about the organ connected to a tooth with a root canal

Why some patients live perfectly well with root canals — and the acupuncture assessment Dr. Motley uses to determine when a tooth is creating systemic stress and when it isn't

The truth about metal fillings and mercury vaporization — and why drilling out a stable filling could actually cause more harm than leaving it in place

Why a cone beam 3D scan reveals hidden infections that a standard flat dental X-ray completely misses

The questions Dr. Motley recommends asking your dentist before agreeing to a root canal — including whether the nerve is still alive and what happens if the procedure fails

How MicrogenDX oral testing screens for over 50,000 bacterial species in the mouth — and why standard dental culture tests miss the vast majority of what's living there

The oral bacteria most strongly linked to gingivitis, Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease — and the herbal protocol Dr. Motley uses to reduce bacterial load naturally

Why oil pulling with coconut oil, Golden Thread Supreme, Melia Supreme and Noni (Morinda) are Dr. Motley's go-to tools for oral microbiome health

How the lung meridian connects to skin health, and what sores or chronic inflammation inside the nostrils are actually signalling about deeper organ function

Why finding a dentist who understands and respects the mouth-body connection is Dr. Motley's single most important first step for anyone dealing with chronic oral or dental health issues

Whether you have a root canal already, are considering one, or have simply been told your teeth are fine while the rest of your body isn't — this episode will permanently change the way you think about your mouth.

Products and Testing Mentioned:

MicrogenDX oral bacterial testing — microgendx.com

Golden Thread Supreme — Supreme Nutrition Products:
https://shorturl.at/qmIIX

Melia Supreme — Supreme Nutrition Products:
https://shorturl.at/7eaTX

Noni / Morinda Supreme — Supreme Nutrition Products:
https://shorturl.at/7NgJm

Cone Beam CT Scan — ask your biological or holistic dentist

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute dental or medical advice. Dr. Motley is not a dentist. Always consult a qualified dental professional before making any decisions about your oral health care.

00:00 The documentary that scared everyone about their teeth

02:20 Weston Price and the era of the tooth pull

05:20 What a root canal actually does

08:28 One mile of branching: the case against

11:40 What the heart research really shows

13:24 Four questions to ask before you consent

14:30 Reading the body’s electrical current

15:59 The meridian tooth chart

16:38 If it is not broken, do not fix it

17:20 Metal fillings and the mercury argument

19:51 Gum bacteria in the Alzheimer’s brain

20:43 How to actually test your mouth

23:00 The woman who could not swallow

25:55 My own cracked tooth, and what it meant

28:06 Teeth conduct electricity

29:49 Every tooth, every organ: the full map

32:00 What to do about it

34:33 Take your mouth seriously

Want more of The Ancient Health Podcast? Subscribe to the YouTube channel.

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*You can get cell support in gummy form: Mitopure now starts at $79, when you go to timeline.com/DRMOTLEY.

*Join Doctor Motley’s newsletter for TCM insights and regular podcast updates https://www.doctormotley.com/

*Do you have a ton more in-depth questions for Doctor Motley? Check out his course on emotions and the body in his membership. You’ll find other courses full of his expertise and clinical wisdom, plus bring all your questions to his weekly lives! To try risk-free for 15 days click here https://www.doctormotley.com/15

Has a nasty virus ever swept through your family, completely derailing your summer vacation? In this heavily requested episode, Dr. Chris Motley shares his best advice for staying healthy while traveling, his personal travel kit with all his essentials plus the 4 pillars to keeping the whole family well when you’re far from home.

Whether you’re packing for your next trip or you want to curate your ready-to-go health travel kit, get your notepads and pens out for this one, and scroll down for the full travel kit listed below!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Your essential travel kit should cover 4 essential basics: sleep, gut health, bugs and your immune system.

When it comes to keeping your family healthy on a big trip, you’re always better safe than sorry: follow health precautions, learn about potential bugs your destination is known for and think about putting together your health kit ahead of time so you’re not caught empty-handed. Health and wellbeing is #1.

How to prep for common issues like nausea, earaches and anxiety.

Why single ingredient herbs and supplements are best for travel.

You won’t regret doing the work to prep your immune system leading up to your trip.

Think defensively. Be mindful of what you eat and where your food is sourced as much as possible to prevent illness.

Keep up good hydration for yourself and the whole family with electrolytes!

Travel Kit Essentials

For The Plane

Vitamin D, Vitamin C

Light amounts of nano silver (Argentin 23 and XLear are good options)

Oregano Spray

For The Gut

Probiotics - S. Bourlardii

Digestive Enzymes (they shouldn’t cause excessive bloating!)

And, last but not least, Takesumi: https://tinyurl.com/bp7fa27f

Anti Parasitic Herbs

Vidanga Supreme: https://shorturl.at/mLRGV

Artemisia Supreme: https://shorturl.at/D7hMl

Herbs for Kids

Elderberry Supreme: https://shorturl.at/irqNj

Astragalus Supreme: https://shorturl.at/9UT47

Golden Thread Supreme: https://shorturl.at/y9emQ

For Food Poisoning

Morinda Supreme: https://tinyurl.com/3a7unbhj

American Ginseng: https://tinyurl.com/ya74ff9c

For Hydration

DesBio Hydration Complex:
https://dbscript.com/product/hydration-complex/
(use discount code DRMOTLEY) and practitioner code f9367150

For Jet Lag

https://www.boironusa.com/product/jet-lag-relief/

For Travel Anxiety

https://dbscript.com/product/anxious/,

https://radicalrootsherbs.com/products/rest-relax-tonic

For Sleep

Melatonin, magnesium glycinate

00:00 What actually ruins a vacation

03:41 The four things you are packing for
04:47 Start boring: electrolytes, vitamin C, bug spray
06:55 Before you fly into a malaria zone
09:19 The diamond dealer who came home from Africa
11:43 Inside a red blood cell
14:02 Biofilms: where infections wait you out
16:26 Sweet wormwood, chrysanthemum, and a Nobel Prize
19:04 Opening the old man medicine case
21:24 Artemisia and Vidanga, and dosing for a child

23:45 The immune four, loaded three days early

26:10 The gut is the trip ruiner

30:21 Probiotics, enzymes, and charcoal

35:53 The homeopathic kit and how to take one

40:30 Sleep, magnesium, and Wei Qi

43:38 Pack it up: the four category checklist

Want more of The Ancient Health Podcast? Subscribe to the YouTube channel.

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*Join Doctor Motley’s newsletter for TCM insights and regular podcast updates https://www.doctormotley.com/

*Do you have a ton more in-depth questions for Doctor Motley? Check out his course on emotions and the body in his membership. You’ll find other courses full of his expertise and clinical wisdom, plus bring all your questions to his weekly lives! To try risk-free for 15 days click here https://www.doctormotley.com/15

Most subjects of a recent study who slept on pads connected to the ground, as part of an earthing protocol, gained significant relief from arthritis, asthma, PMS, sleep apnea and hypertension. We're a generation that's uniquely separated from the Earth. We spend much of our lives in cars, we live in high-rises, and spend the majority of our days working indoors. Why does this matter? Because we're electric beings who actually need the negative ions from standing in the ground, the ocean and even on rocks to support our health outcomes.

In this episode Doctor Chris Motley explains why we need negative ions from the ground, the dirt and the sea to help our bodies ward off illness, why this health trend is actually an ancient (and free!) form of medicine, and the two most important things to keep in mind if you’re shopping grounding mats.

Whether you're a skeptic or a true believer, try sinking your bare feet in the ground at some point during your week. It's easy, free and it can't hurt to get the benefits of spending time outdoors.

In this episode you'll learn:

You don't need to buy anything to practice grounding. This is a free and easy protocol that every human being has access to.

How our bodies follow electrical patterns (even as embryos!) which is why we need negatively charged ions from the earth that support our health.

Negative ions in the body help energize our mitochondria and detoxify our bodies.

What the research on grounding has found and what it hasn't.

The benefits of grounding and earthing for your nervous system.

How PEMF mats support your blood flow.

How the earth has proven frequencies like the Schumann Resonance that lower blood pressure and encourage parasympathetic tone.

How to avoid parasites while sinking your feet into the dirt.

If grounding pads and mats are worth it and two of the most important things to keep an eye out for when shopping for them.

How the modern idea of grounding actually taps into the ancient Chinese Medicine tradition of rooting in Qigong.

The kidney points responsible for pulling those electric charges up through your body.

For further reading, check out https://www.earthing.com/

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Want more of The Ancient Health Podcast? Subscribe to the YouTube channel.

Follow Doctor Motley

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*You can get cell support in gummy form: Mitopure now starts at $79, when you go to timeline.com/DRMOTLEY.

*Do you have a ton more in-depth questions for Doctor Motley? Check out his course on emotions and the body in his membership. You’ll find other courses full of his expertise and clinical wisdom, plus bring all your questions to his weekly lives! To try risk-free for 15 days click here: https://www.doctormotley.com/15

Is mouth taping actually safe — or could it be closing your body's emergency exit while a bigger problem goes undetected?

In this episode, Dr. Chris Motley takes on one of the biggest wellness trends of the moment: mouth taping. And while he's firmly in the camp that nasal breathing is one of the most underrated things you can do for your health, he brings a unique perspective to the discussion… your mouth could be wanting to open at night for a reason, and taping it shut without finding out why could mean masking undiagnosed sleep apnea, hidden sinus infections, or structural issues that ancient medicine has been addressing for thousands of years.

In this episode you'll discover:

Why your nose is a piece of biological genius — and the germ-killing gas it produces that your mouth simply cannot replicate

What nitric oxide actually does inside your nasal passage: how it kills bacteria, viruses, mold, and pathogens before they ever reach your lungs

Why mouth breathing bypasses your body's built-in air filter, humidifier, and infection defence system with every single breath

The real reason your mouth falls open at night — and why it's almost never just a bad habit

How hidden sinus infections, nasal septum deviation, swollen adenoids, lymph node congestion, and upper cervical misalignment could all be forcing you to breathe through your mouth

Why mouth taping could be dangerous for people with undiagnosed sleep apnea — and the warning signs to watch for before you try it

How the vagus nerve connects to your soft palate — and why chronic stress and fight-or-flight mode causes mouth breathing and snoring

The TCM concept of Wei Chi — your body's defensive energy — and how nasal breathing generates and distributes it through your meridians

Why the Dan Tian (the energy reservoir near your belly button) depends on deep nasal breathing to stay charged

How the lungs and nose are connected in Chinese medicine — and what scabs, sores, or chronic stuffiness in your nose are actually telling you about your lung and heart health

Dr. Motley's recommended approach: clean out the infections, fix the structure, retrain the breathing — then reassess mouth taping

Qigong breathing techniques that build nasal breathing capacity naturally — without tape

If you snore, gasp in the night, wake up unrefreshed, or have been thinking about trying mouth taping, this episode could change everything about how you approach your sleep and your breath.

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*Most of us are mineral deficient and we don’t even know it! Want to get your minerals in? BEAM Minerals is a simple shot of minerals each morning. Try BEAM Minerals at beamminerals.com/DRMOTLEY and use code DRMOTLEY for 20% off your first order.

*Do you have a ton more in-depth questions for Doctor Motley? Check out his course on emotions and the body in his membership. You’ll find other courses full of his expertise and clinical wisdom, plus bring all your questions to his weekly lives! To try risk-free for 15 days click here: https://www.doctormotley.com/15

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DISCLAIMER

Please remember that the information shared in this podcast is for education purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice.

No doctor-patient relationship is formed through this podcast, and the use of information here or materials linked from this podcast is at your own risk.

The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen, and do not disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any condition you may have.