Gordon Medical Forum

Gordon Medical Associates

Drs Gordon and Parpia have a unique and proven approach to healing chronic conditions with over 50 years of clinical experience combined; they created the Gordon Medical Forum Podcast to introduce some of the most overlooked and important factors for overcoming chronic illness. Eric Gordon, MD, is the Medical Director of Gordon Medical Associates, and Nafysa Parpia, ND, is the Director of Naturopathic Medicine. Gordon Medical Associates is the premier tick-borne illness, Lyme disease, and environmentally acquired illness clinic on the West Coast. To learn more about the team at Gordon Medical Associates, go to gordonmedical.com.

  1. FEB 11

    Traumatic Brain Injury and Neuroinflammation Recovery Strategies

    Traumatic brain injury doesn't require being knocked unconscious or obvious head trauma. Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Dr. Mark Gordon to discuss how mild whiplash, blast exposure, or repetitive impacts trigger cellular mechanotransduction, initiating neuroinflammation that suppresses the hypothalamus and disrupts hormone production throughout the body.  They discuss why biological resiliency determines who develops severe symptoms from minor trauma, how inflammation blocks neurotransmitter synthesis and receptor function, and why optimizing hormones like pregnenolone, DHEA, and testosterone alongside reducing neuroinflammation is essential for recovery from TBI, depression, Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative conditions. Episode Highlights: Mild or unrecognized TBI initiates chronic neuroinflammation and neuroendocrine disruption.Biological resiliency based on lifestyle factors determines who develops severe symptoms from the same traumatic exposure.Neuroinflammation suppresses hypothalamic hormone production, creating cascading deficits in testosterone, DHEA, and pregnenolone.Gut dysbiosis, aging, and toxins amplify neurodegenerative risk, necessitating targeted therapeutic strategies. Listen in to learn more : [0:00:00] Mild Trauma, Massive Impact [0:04:34] Biological Resilience: Why the Same Hit Hurts Differently [0:07:00] Inflammation Shuts Down Hormones—and the Brain [0:20:00] Gut–Brain Axis: COVID, Vax, and Stalled Recovery [0:35:32] Rewiring the Brain: Glial Cells, Nutraceuticals, and Hormones About Mark Gordon, MD Dr. Mark Gordon is a physician specializing in neuroendocrinology and traumatic brain injury, coining the term "Interventional Endocrinology" in 2003. Dr. Gordon has dedicated his practice to treating veterans and civilians with TBI, developing the Millennium Treatment Protocol that addresses neuroinflammation and hormonal dysfunction. His work has helped over 3,000 veterans recover from blast wave trauma and TBI-related symptoms. He authored "Traumatic Brain Injury: A Clinical Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment" and continues to self-fund his military treatment program while advocating for broader adoption of neuroendocrine approaches to brain injury recovery. Learn more https://tbihelpnow.org/ 💬 Text us your feedback and future show ideas! (Please note we can't respond to texts - email questions to info@gordonmedical.com) Interested in Becoming A Patient? Find out if working with Gordon Medical is right for you. Set up a complimentary discovery call with our new patient coordinator at www.gordonmedical.com. ** This information is not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult your practitioner before making any changes to your treatment.

    1h 5m
  2. JAN 28

    How Structure and Lymph Flow Influence Chronic Fatigue (ME/CFS)

    Chronic fatigue patients often focus on infections and toxins while missing a critical piece of the puzzle: structural dysfunction and lymphatic drainage. Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Dr. Raymond Perrin, the osteopath whose groundbreaking research in the early 1990s revealed how thoracic spine dysfunction and impaired neurolymphatic flow drive neuroinflammation in ME/CFS.  Dr. Perrin explains why treating the sympathetic nervous system through spinal manipulation and cranial work can restore glymphatic drainage from the brain, and how structural injuries create the conditions for toxin accumulation and persistent inflammation that keep people chronically ill. Episode Highlights: Thoracic spine dysfunction activates sympathetic overdrive and blocks lymphatic drainage, creating conditions for neuroinflammation and chronic illness.The glymphatic system drains toxins from the brain through specific pathways that malfunction in ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and Long COVID.Structural injuries and spinal misalignments create the underlying conditions that allow infections or toxins to trigger chronic illnessListen in to learn more :  [0:02:27] Thoracic Spine & Sympathetics Drive ME/CFS Mechanisms[0:08:59] Lymphatics Are Neurologically Driven, Not Passive Tubes[0:20:10] Neurolymphatic / Glymphatic System Clears Brain Toxins[0:30:57] The Perrin Technique: Five Signs & a Drainage Strategy[0:57:55] Long COVID as a Neuro‑Lymphatic Drainage FailureAbout Raymond Perrin, DO, PhD Dr. Raymond Perrin is an osteopath and researcher who has specialized in ME/CFS since 1989, when he discovered that treating thoracic spine dysfunction resolved chronic fatigue symptoms in a cyclist. He earned his doctorate in 2005 from the University of Salford for his groundbreaking work on cerebrospinal fluid and lymphatic drainage in ME/CFS, introducing the concept of the neurolymphatic system years before the glymphatic system was officially recognized.  Learn more https://theperrintechnique.com/ 💬 Text us your feedback and future show ideas! (Please note we can't respond to texts - email questions to info@gordonmedical.com) Interested in Becoming A Patient? Find out if working with Gordon Medical is right for you. Set up a complimentary discovery call with our new patient coordinator at www.gordonmedical.com. ** This information is not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult your practitioner before making any changes to your treatment.

    1h 2m
  3. JAN 14

    Restoring Nervous System Function in Treatment-Resistant Chronic Illness

    Chronic illness often traps people in a cycle where treatments stop working, and the body can reject everything, even gentle remedies. Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Dr. Cathleen King, who spent over a decade housebound with Lyme, mold illness, and multiple chemical sensitivities before discovering that nervous system work was the missing piece in her recovery. They discuss why addressing the Cell Danger Response and vagus nerve dysfunction comes first, before protocols and treatments can actually work. And also how simple daily practices can shift someone from reactive and bedbound to functional again, and why trauma processing and somatic work matter as much as any medical intervention. Episode Highlights: The body stuck in Cell Danger Response will reject treatments until the nervous system signals safety through vagus nerve toning and limbic system retraining.Simple daily practices, such as specific breathing patterns, eye movements, and humming, can restore basic function within days to weeks for highly sensitive patients.Brain retraining without vagus nerve work first often fails because people with trauma histories find safety and calm threatening rather than healing.Somatic work and posture directly affect the autonomic nervous system through the upper cervical spine and suboccipital tension.Real resilience means developing the capacity to feel difficult emotions and life disruptions without crashing back to ground zero.Integration takes precedence over finding perfect protocols when the nervous system is dysregulated and reactive to everything.Listen in to learn more :  [0:01:07] Kathleen King’s Personal Experience and Development of 'Primal Trust' [0:03:52] The Need for Scientific Understanding About the Nervous System  [0:07:21] Vagus Nerve Toning Tools and Practical Exercises [0:09:38] Sequencing of Tools and Safety in Brain Retraining [0:13:34 Processing Emotions is Necessary  for True Resilience [0:18:52]The Role of the Body’s Physical Structure and Awareness About Cathleen King, DPT Dr. Cathleen King is a physical therapist and neuroscience-based mind-body practitioner. Her professional focus is on chronic illness and trauma healing. She is the founder and CEO of Primal Trust, a rapidly growing global platform that helps people unlock their self-healing. Her online program combines brain retraining, vagus nerve toning, somatics, and trauma-informed practices.  Join Daily Regulate LIVE starting February 2nd https://smpl.ro/al/gZwGJ3mPkyBTQqUtK5TtQwkF/54487-Gordon-Medical-Associates Get your free copy of How Healing Happens https://smpl.ro/al/uQHzHXFEvY3Cker29vqmVRTy/54487-Gordon-Medical-Associates Learn more about Primal Trust https://www.primaltrust.org/  💬 Text us your feedback and future show ideas! (Please note we can't respond to texts - email questions to info@gordonmedical.com) Interested in Becoming A Patient? Find out if working with Gordon Medical is right for you. Set up a complimentary discovery call with our new patient coordinator at www.gordonmedical.com. ** This information is not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult your practitioner before making any changes to your treatment.

    41 min
  4. 12/31/2025

    Galectin-3 Microenvironments: The Hidden Driver of Chronic Inflammation

    Galectin-3 is emerging as a key driver of chronic inflammation, yet most people have never heard of it. This protein creates inflammatory microenvironments that trap immune cells, disrupt circulation, promote fibrosis, and accelerate disease progression throughout the body.  In this episode, Dr. Eric Gordon speaks with Ruby Tischoff about how elevated Galectin-3 contributes to neurodegeneration, cardiovascular dysfunction, and systemic immune dysregulation, and what can be done about it. Episode Highlights: How Galectin-3 organizes inflammatory microenvironments that impair vascular and organ functionThe connection between elevated Galectin-3 and neurodegeneration, heart disease, and immune dysfunctionStrategies to reduce Galectin-3 activity, including Pectasol modified citrus pectin, mindfulness practices, and targeted nutritionListen in to learn more : [0:00:00] Galectin-3 Drives Chronic Inflammation and Fibrosis [0:05:00] Toxins Elevate Galectin-3 and Fuel Neurodegenerative Disease [0:10:00] Modified Citrus Pectin as a Galectin-3 Inhibitor and Detox Agent [0:15:00] Broad Detox Benefits of Modified Citrus Pectin [0:20:00] Galectin-3 Testing Limitations and Considerations About Ruby Tischoff, FDN-P Ruby Tischoff, FDN-P, is Director of Education for ecoNugenics, a functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner and natural health expert with over 25 years of experience in integrative medicine and nutraceutical science.  Ruby has worked closely under the clinical mentorship of renowned physician Isaac Eliaz, MD, and is a recognized expert in the fields of galectin-3 research and therapeutic targeting, safe detoxification, and nutritional science, among other areas. Learn more about Pectasol modified citrus pectin: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=118927&awinaffid=2670966&ued=https%3A%2F%2Feconugenics.com%2Fpages%2Fpectasol-mcp-shop More info on Galectin-3 and research links https://dreliaz.org/research/galectin-3-research/ 💬 Text us your feedback and future show ideas! (Please note we can't respond to texts - email questions to info@gordonmedical.com) Interested in Becoming A Patient? Find out if working with Gordon Medical is right for you. Set up a complimentary discovery call with our new patient coordinator at www.gordonmedical.com. ** This information is not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult your practitioner before making any changes to your treatment.

    31 min
  5. 12/17/2025

    Neurological Complications of Parasites in Chronic Illness

    Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common yet overlooked parasites affecting human health, with potential links to chronic illness and neuropsychiatric symptoms that often go undiagnosed. In this episode, Dr. Eric Gordon sits down with Dr. Eboni Cornish to explore the far-reaching effects of this elusive organism and why so many cases slip through the cracks. Episode Highlights: Neurological and psychiatric changes associated with parasitesToxoplasmosis gondii and its impact on chronic illnessComprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatmentListen in to learn more : (00:00): Parasites often get missed in neurology + psych cases  (04:45): Why U.S. patients may be more vulnerable to parasites  (09:30): Practical screening clues + common parasites to consider  (14:40): Toxoplasmosis and severe psychiatric/neurologic presentations  (22:10): Brain imaging patterns that can guide treatment strategy About Eboni Cornish, MD Dr. Eboni Cornish, a highly regarded physician, provides integrative medicine services to a diverse global patient community. Currently serving as the Functional Medicine Director of the Amen Clinic East Coast Division, she specializes in autoimmune diseases, Lyme disease, Morgellons disease, environmental toxicity, gut imbalances, neurology, and various other chronic conditions. Learn more about Dr. Cornish: https://amenclinics.com/ 💬 Text us your feedback and future show ideas! (Please note we can't respond to texts - email questions to info@gordonmedical.com) Interested in Becoming A Patient? Find out if working with Gordon Medical is right for you. Set up a complimentary discovery call with our new patient coordinator at www.gordonmedical.com. ** This information is not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult your practitioner before making any changes to your treatment.

    1 hr
  6. 11/19/2025

    Indigenous Plant Medicine Meets Western Practice

    Sacred plant medicine is moving from indigenous traditions into Western healing practices, but the gap between these two approaches raises important questions. Jason Prall and Dr. Nafysa Parpia dig into what's being lost in translation, the training, cultural context, and respect for traditions that have guided safe and effective use of these medicines for generations. They discuss practical concerns about who should be working with these plants, why intention and preparation matter, and what actually creates lasting change. The conversation touches on the prophecy of the Condor and the Eagle, a vision of indigenous and Western cultures learning from each other, and why the real work begins after the ceremony ends. Episode Highlights: Western adoption needs proper training and respect for indigenous traditions, not just copying ceremonies without understanding the context.Plant medicines affect the nervous system, immune function, and self-awareness as tools for healing, not quick fixes.Real transformation happens through ongoing integration work after the ceremony, not during the experience itself.Listen in to learn more : (01:57) Understanding the Power of New Tools  (09:58) Exploring Healing Through Energetic Practices  (15:45) Exporting Ancient Traditions for Global Awakening  (26:15) Path of Sacred Plant Medicines  (29:13) Exploring Paths in Shamanic Practice  About Jason Prall Jason Prall is a health educator, practitioner, author, and filmmaker. He created "The Human Longevity Project," a 9-part film series examining chronic disease in the modern world, and owns Cereset in Encinitas, CA, a brain-balancing center treating traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, anxiety, and fatigue. He's the author of "Beyond Longevity: A Proven Plan for Healing Faster, Feeling Better, and Thriving at Any Age" and is currently producing a film series exploring indigenous healing practices from around the world. Learn more about Jason Prall: https://awakenedhealthacademy.com/  💬 Text us your feedback and future show ideas! (Please note we can't respond to texts - email questions to info@gordonmedical.com) Interested in Becoming A Patient? Find out if working with Gordon Medical is right for you. Set up a complimentary discovery call with our new patient coordinator at www.gordonmedical.com. ** This information is not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult your practitioner before making any changes to your treatment.

    34 min
  7. 11/05/2025

    Five Years In: The Latest on Long COVID Research and Recovery

    Dr. Eric Gordon and investigative science journalist Gez Medinger return for a five-year update on the evolving science of Long COVID. Together, they explore what has changed, what still challenges researchers, and where new hope is emerging for those living with post-viral illness. Their conversation examines the latest findings on immune and metabolic disruption, why many clinical trials have yielded disappointing results, and what current data reveal about viral persistence, mitochondrial dysfunction, and recovery pathways. They also discuss treatments showing promise, along with a growing emphasis on individualized approaches to managing complex chronic illness. Episode highlights • Why many trials have failed and what this shows about the complexity of Long COVID • New biomarkers related to immune, metabolic, and mitochondrial function • Findings on viral persistence, brainstem inflammation, and energy metabolism • Updates on low-dose naltrexone, niacin, fasting, and rapamycin research • The importance of personalized medicine and whole-system regulation • Reasons for optimism for those navigating post-viral illness Listen in to learn more: (06:52) Personalized Medicine and Biomarkers  (10:54) Antibody Variants in Long COVID  (16:51) Listen to Your Body, Keep Trying  (23:47) Viral Persistence in the Immune System  (28:13) Exploring LDN Treatment Mechanisms  (31:58) Similarities Between ME-CFS and Long COVID (35:51) Symptoms and Impact of Long COVID  (41:02) Managing Heat Intolerance in Dysautonomia  (48:55) Potential Benefits of Low-Dose Treatments About Gez Medinger Gez Medinger is an investigative science journalist and patient advocate for Long COVID. His YouTube channel has over 6 million views, and he is the author of The Long COVID Handbook. Learn more about his book  The Long COVID Handbook https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453380/the-long-covid-handbook-by-altmann-gez-medinger-and-professor-danny/9781529900125 💬 Text us your feedback and future show ideas! (Please note we can't respond to texts - email questions to info@gordonmedical.com) Interested in Becoming A Patient? Find out if working with Gordon Medical is right for you. Set up a complimentary discovery call with our new patient coordinator at www.gordonmedical.com. ** This information is not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult your practitioner before making any changes to your treatment.

    56 min
  8. 10/22/2025

    Peptides, Bioregulators, and MCAS in Sensitive Patients

    Dr. Nafysa Parpia joins Dr. Eric Gordon to explore how peptides and bioregulators are transforming the treatment of chronic illnesses, particularly for patients with mast cell activation syndrome and complex inflammatory conditions.  They discuss the evolution of peptide therapy, the role of bioregulators in cellular healing, and emphasize the critical importance of personalized dosing, addressing underlying inflammation, and understanding the body's compensatory mechanisms before introducing these advanced therapies. Episode Highlights: Mast cell activation syndrome often complicates chronic illness treatment and requires careful therapeutic approaches.Peptides and bioregulators offer new approaches to cellular healing when used strategically in complex cases.Understanding the body's compensatory mechanisms is crucial before introducing advanced therapies.Persistent underlying inflammation must be addressed for peptide and bioregulator therapies to be effective.Personalized dosing and creating a clean physiological environment are essential for sensitive patients responding to treatment.Want to support the show? Share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or tag us on Instagram with your biggest insight. Subscribe and stay connected: Subscribe to Gordon Medical Forum on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to follow us for more insights and updates. https://www.youtube.com/@GordonMedicalAssociateshttps://www.instagram.com/gordonmedicalhttps://www.facebook.com/gordonmedicalhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/gordon-medical-associates Listen in to learn more :  (03:59) Herbal Approach to Mast Cell Activation  (10:34) Peptide Therapy for Chronic Illness  (17:35) Clinical Observations in Treatment Development  (28:43) Personalized Medicine With Peptides and Bioregulators (35:21) Using Peptides for Healing and Recovery  (41:10) Neurotropic Peptides and Brain Health (44:38) Faster Recovery With Dose Reduction About Dr. Nafysa Parpia Long before peptide therapy became a buzzword in the medical community, Dr. Parpia recognized its potential as a groundbreaking approach for treating complex chronic illnesses. For over a decade, she has been at the forefront of this field, refining my techniques through extensive research and clinical experience.  This early adoption and dedication have allowed Dr. Parpia to develop a deep expertise in using these powerful molecular tools. Learn more, visit: www.gordonmedical.com and w 💬 Text us your feedback and future show ideas! (Please note we can't respond to texts - email questions to info@gordonmedical.com) Interested in Becoming A Patient? Find out if working with Gordon Medical is right for you. Set up a complimentary discovery call with our new patient coordinator at www.gordonmedical.com. ** This information is not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult your practitioner before making any changes to your treatment.

    46 min
5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Drs Gordon and Parpia have a unique and proven approach to healing chronic conditions with over 50 years of clinical experience combined; they created the Gordon Medical Forum Podcast to introduce some of the most overlooked and important factors for overcoming chronic illness. Eric Gordon, MD, is the Medical Director of Gordon Medical Associates, and Nafysa Parpia, ND, is the Director of Naturopathic Medicine. Gordon Medical Associates is the premier tick-borne illness, Lyme disease, and environmentally acquired illness clinic on the West Coast. To learn more about the team at Gordon Medical Associates, go to gordonmedical.com.

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