Imagine being told you'll live with chronic pain for the rest of your life... and then proving them wrong. In this powerful episode of Heal Yourself with Sarah Dawkins, we’re joined by Cheryl Ilov, author, speaker, martial artist, dancer and former chronic pain patient, who shares how she went from debilitating back pain and a grim medical prognosis to dancing, pole fitness and martial arts in her 60's.With over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist, Cheryl integrates science with the art of movement to help others reclaim their health. Her story is a masterclass in self-awareness, courage and the innate power of the body to heal itself, naturally.💫 Topics We Cover:Cheryl’s battle with chronic pain and misdiagnosisWhy she fired her entire medical teamHow movement, acupuncture, and intuition led to healingThe emotional roots of physical painWhat true mind-body healing looks like🌿 If you’ve ever been told "you’ll just have to live with it" this episode will restore your hope, ignite your self-belief and inspire your healing journey.00:00 Introduction 01:33 The start of the pain04:30 Mental epiphany08:16 It is the mind itself that shapes the body10:40 Emotions stuck in our body14:50 Don't be so selfish19:52 Ballet and Martial Arts27:39 The power of love29:20 Cheryl's tip for healing chronic painCheryl's Bio Cheryl Ilov is an author, speaker, physical therapist, martial artist, dancer, and former chronic pain patient. With over 20 years’ experience as a physical therapist in private practice, she has helped thousands of clients recover from pain and injuries by integrating the science of physical therapy with the art of movement. Cheryl firmly believes that our body has an incredible capacity to heal itself, and that everyone can enjoy vibrant health and vitality, at every stage of life.She is also a second-degree black belt in an ancient Japanese martial art called Ninpo Tai Jutsu. From her own experience of beginning training at the tender young age of 47 and becoming her teacher’s first female black belt ten years later, she discovered that there is an incredible amount of strength and power in each and every one of us, just waiting to be unleashed.Cheryl is the author of two books, one titled "Forever Fit and Flexible: Feeling Fabulous at Fifty and Beyond," and "The Reluctant Ninja: How A Middle-Aged Princess Became A Warrior Queen." She is also the host of The FemiNinja Project podcast, which is about overcoming obstacles, personal empowerment, restoring human dignity, and alternative health and healing.Connect with Cheryl http://cherylilov.comhttps://thefemininjaproject.com/https://www.facebook.com/ilovinsights/https://twitter.com/CherylIlovhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0oIAa1eygYtcRPuNnLv1ghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylilovvitalityconsultant/Cheryl's bookshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0997681330/ Ninja bookhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0997681306/ Fitness bookhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TS18VBG/ ebook🔔 Subscribe for more healing stories and holistic wellness tips every week!👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.#chronicpain #selfhealing #mindbodyconnection #naturalhealing #holistichealth #healingjourney #backpainrecovery #movementheals #emotionalhealing