Dr. Benjamin Asher on how the psycho-emotional state of singers can keep them stuck, trauma, grief, fear, stage fright, self-sabotage, abusive teachers, and finding your true “Why”

Today’s guest is Dr. Benjamin Asher a New York based, board-certified Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon.

In addition to being a highly- regarded conventional physician and exceptional diagnostician, he has been at the forefront of applying alternative methods to Ear, nose, and throat disorders since the beginning of his medical career over thirty years ago.

Dr. Asher’s conventional training includes the University of Iowa which is the preeminent Otolaryngology residency in America, where he was selected to serve as Chief Resident. Harvard Medical School, where he completed a fellowship in Pediatric ENT. He has served on the faculty of Harvard, Washington University, and Dartmouth medical schools.

His study of complementary healing modalities includes cranial osteopathy, hypnosis, myofascial therapy, the Feldenkrais Method, the Alexander Technique, and various energy medicine modalities. Dr. Asher works in cooperation with acupuncturists, chiropractors, and somatic healers as well as Ayurvedic, homeopathic, and naturopathic physicians.

Dr. Asher is credited as the physician who discovered that boosting Glutathione, a substance naturally produced by the body, had a profoundly positive impact on the voice and could often be used in place of steroids or vocal cord surgery.

His unique ability and steadfast desire to protect performers from the harsh, long-term side effects of conventional medical approaches have made him a valued team member for numerous theatrical, concert, film, and television performers. He has served as house physician for the New York City Opera and the New York City Ballet.

In our discussion today we talk about how western medicine is not all that great for treating chronic illness and how understanding people from the level of spirit and looking at the bigger picture is a foundation for how Dr.Asher works with people.

We talk about how psycho-emotional issues such as grief and trauma keep performers stuck. Self-sabotage, and the inability to move forward with one's career. We discuss wrongly diagnosed acid reflux and how antacids can have bad long-term health implications. How the process of singing and learning voice can be traumatizing because of abusive teachers and how fear and stage fright can develop because of it and why listening to your inner voice and knowing your “why” is crucial in the performing arts and so much more.

Connect with Dr. Benjamin Asher:

Facebook | Website

Links to resources mentioned:

• “The undiscovered self” by Carl Jung
• “The body keeps the score” by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
• Immune boosting supplement: “Immunokinoko”
• Dr. Gallands TLC: Black Cumin seed oil
• Trauma Therapy: EMDR, Somatic Experiencing based on the work of Peter Levine, Hakomi