The Biohacking Conference - The Feminine and Self-Healing
Written by Melissa Barall, CFA, Content Writer, FemHealth Insights
We attended Dave Asprey’s 10th annual Biohacking Conference in Dallas, TX at the end of May, where we refreshed our understanding of some important concepts and added to our knowledge bank on others. This conference emphasized the need to return to our human nature as much as possible, using both nature and technology. Natural techniques will always be the foundational way; second to that, tools can help reset back to baseline, especially when changing environments or dealing with the modern world’s challenges.
This year, the conference placed a significant emphasis on women's health, giving an entire half day in the pre-conference programming dedicated to biohacking for women. There were also many companies and breakout sessions focused on addressing or improving women’s health. While we could not fit all of our takeaways in, below we feature some of the companies and people we took particular note of:
Gabby Bernstein, #1 NYT Best-Selling Author, Podcaster, Coach, and Speaker
Gabby Bernstein, a best-selling author and motivational speaker, is celebrated for her empowering approach to personal growth and spiritual well-being, particularly in the context of women's health. Her teachings, which combine elements of mindfulness, meditation, and positive affirmations, offer women tools to overcome stress, anxiety, and emotional turbulence. Bernstein's philosophy encourages women to tap into their inner strength and cultivate a mindset of self-compassion and resilience. By guiding women to connect deeply with their authentic selves and embrace a life of joy and purpose, Gabby Bernstein's work has become a beacon for those seeking to enhance their quality of life through mindful living and spiritual healing.
Anna Cabeca, DO, OBGYN, FACOG
Dr. Anna Cabeca introduced the concept of “Oxyplay,” which involves the mindful integration of oxytocin-enhancing activities into sexual health practices. She discussed how oxytocin, known as the "love hormone," plays a crucial role in bonding, emotional health, and stress reduction. Increasing oxytocin levels can significantly improve women's sexual health and intimacy by promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and enhancing emotional connections.
Jill Carnahan, MD: Your Functional Medicine Expert
Dr. Jill Carnahan addressed the impact of mold and environmental toxins on women’s health. She highlighted the health risks associated with mold exposure, including respiratory issues, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and breast cancer, which she herself had experienced in her 20s. She provided practical advice, including eliminating toxins, creating resilience in the body, and knowing your risk factors. Women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of environmental toxins due to their impact on hormonal balance and reproductive health, so it is extremely important to be aware and informed
Sheila Kelley, Founder and CEO of SFactor
Sheila Kelley explored the importance of embracing both feminine and masculine energies for overall well-being. She discussed how recognizing and balancing these energies can enhance self-awareness, reduce stress, and improve emotional health. Embracing a balance of feminine and masculine energies can help women achieve greater emotional stability, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose, leading to better mental health and well-being.
NOA | AON: Transformative Teachings for Women's Health and Well-Being
NOA | AON, led by renowned transformation coach and holistic wellness advocate, Pavel Stuchlik, presented a unique approach that integrates ancient wisdom with modern science to promote overall well-being. NOA | AON's teachings emphasize the importance of achieving balance through breathwork, meditation, and sound healing, which are particularly beneficial for women's health. These practices align with the natural rhythms of the female body, promoting hormonal balance, reducing stress, and enhancing emotional resilience. For women, who often face unique physiological and psychological challenges, the incorporation of such holistic practices can lead to profound improvements in mental and physical health. By fostering a deeper connection with one's inner self and embracing the principles of mindfulness, NOA | AON's methods help women navigate life's complexities with grace and strength, promoting long-term wellness and vitality.
Apollo Neuro
The Apollo Neuro wearable device uses gentle vibrations to help the body recover from stress and promote relaxation. This technology is particularly beneficial for women who experience stress and anxiety related to hormonal fluctuations and life stressors. They also have released a new vibrational pattern focused on sexual wellness for women. The device was created by Dr. David Rabin, MD, PhD, who has worked with MDMA-assisted therapy for years. His device is based on his extensive research and evidence with patients in creating safety through MDMA; Apollo Neuro replicates this sensation in the body using non-invasive vibrations.
Stemregen
Stemregen focuses on enhancing the body's natural ability to produce stem cells, which can support tissue repair and overall health. This technology holds promise for women looking to improve their health span and manage age-related changes. The company was founded by Christian Drapeau, who focuses on the potential of adult stem cells to contribute to overall health and wellness, including their implications for regenerative medicine and longevity. Stemregen is formulated with natural ingredients that are believed to stimulate the bone marrow's production and release of stem cells into the bloodstream, where they can migrate to areas of the body in need of repair.
The Path Forward
This year’s conference brought in a lot of new information and refreshed some important concepts for us. First, the finding that play and recovery are such vital parts of the female existence is an important refresher. Second, creating safety, both from an environmental perspective and from an internal perspective, is one of the biggest drivers of health, especially for females. Lastly, the female body’s own self-healing, through stem cells as well as emotional and neurological practices, is incredible and something we can do both on our own and with some tools or guidance. We look forward to attending next year’s conference, which will be May 28-30, 2025, in Austin, Texas!
About the Author:
Melissa Barall, CFA, is a dedicated finance and health professional, with experience in the private and public markets. She began her career on Wall Street in 2018 and has been a health and wellness advocate, angel investor, and superconnector along the way. Her mission is to bridge the gap for women in both investing and health care, and is passionate about mental health, wellness / biohacking, and psychedelics.