Predictable and common biochemical imbalances have been discovered as a core issue of most people with mood and trauma patterns. These include:

1. Methylation
2. Pyrrole
3. Excess Copper

When a person has an underlying biochemical imbalance that is genetic, it will cause symptoms to show up early in life, and often, progressively get worse with time as the accumulative effect increases.

If we identify these biochemical imbalances, we can support the nervous system, immune system, somatic body and our genetics through nutrition regulatory work, Neuroplasticity, as well as via nutrition, exercise and supplements.

Read through the descriptions below and identify which categories you relate to most. You will not have all the symptoms in any one category, but you indeed may have several, which we can look deeper at over the course of your healing journey with Firefly Somatics™.

1. METHYLATION

1. Under-methylation

• Present in 38% of depression and anxiety
• Have both low serotonin and dopamine activity

Common Characteristics:

Feel Better with SSRI’s, Chronic depression and possible suicidal tendencies, Seasonal inhalant allergies, History of perfectionism, History of oppositional defiance, High libido, Adverse reactions to benzodiazepines, Adverse reaction to folic acid, Good response to anti-histamines (e.g. Benadryl), Addictiveness, Phobias, OCD, Infrequent and terse speech, Non-compliance with therapies, Denial of illness, Self-motivated, Competitive, Low tolerance for pain, Very strong willed, Slenderness, High fluidity (tears easily, runny nose, etc), Rigid diet, Calm demeanor but high inner tension, Family history of high accomplishment Nutrients To Avoid: Folate, Choline, manganese and copper.

B. Over-methylation

• Elevated Serotonin and Dopamine

• Present in 20% or less of those experiencing depression

Common Characteristics:

High anxiety/panic, Problems from SSRI/SNRIs, Non-competitive, Self-harm/Injury, can’t stop talking, moving body more/in motion, Hyperactive, very social/verbosity, Empathic/caring of others, Worse on Histamine blockers, no seasonal allergies, Dry eyes/mouth.

2. PYRROLE

Pyrrole affects the absorption of three crucial nutrients: vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for numerous biochemical processes, including nervous system function, immune response, and enzyme activities. Decreased Serotonin, Dopamine, NMDA and GABA Activity. They present an odd combination of symptoms that make the diagnosis relatively straightforward. These are the quickest to respond to targeted nutrient.

Common Characteristics:

Severe mood swings, inability to cope with stress, rages, absence of dream recall. Poor short-term memory. Sunburn tendency, inability to tan, morning nausea, sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises, menstrual disturbances, amenorrhea; delayed puberty and significant growth after age 16, reading disorders and academic underachievement, fear and pessimistic, isolate themselves, tend to be obsessed with chaos, stress, pain and disaster.

3. EXCESS COPPER

Elevated Norepinephrine Traits: Lack of energy, disruptions in sleep, high anxiety, reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities, suicidal, homicidal, depression after childbirth, increased estrogen during pregnancy, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to cheap metals or clothes tags, inability to tan, Endometriosis/fibroids/PCOS, Anxiety, Panic, hyperactive/fidgety, school underachievement because of poor concentration/focus, impulsivity, Jekyll/Hyde kids, Fibromyalgia/CFS, Low energy/fatigue (but otherwise physically well), rebellious/disobedient, Outbursts with remorse.

Those previously diagnosed with the following are also at higher risk of copper overload and cycles of depression:

1. fibromyalgia
2. disruptive menstrual cycle
3. severe adrenal fatigue
4. chronic fatigue syndrome

These various biochemical imbalances are quite common in those who are in a traumatised system. These imbalances may be keeping you stuck in loops and cycles of stress, pain and trauma. With this knowing, you can target your healing with a concrete plan, optimise your biology and accelerate your healing journey of resolving trauma in your life and body!