I Healed My Broken Body in Prison With Yoga

From a pro-skier to a drug smuggler, Nick Brewer’s life took a sharp turn that landed him in an Argentinian prison for ten years, four of which were spent in solitary confinement. With a body broken in four places from past injuries and a mind shattered by trauma, he hit rock bottom on the concrete floor of his cell. It was there, with no one to talk to and nothing but time, that he discovered movement as medicine. In this episode, I sit down with Nick Brewer, the founder of Primal Moves, to hear his incredible story of transformation. He shares how he used breathwork and unique, non-linear movements to heal his spine, release deep-seated trauma, and find a state of “euphoric happiness” in the most unlikely of places. Nick’s journey is a powerful testament to the body's intelligence and its innate capacity to heal. I recently had my own powerful experience with Primal Moves. After tweaking my back post-surgery, I was in significant pain. After just one class with Nick, the pain was gone. His work is a potent reminder that freedom—from physical pain and mental prisons—starts with reconnecting to our bodies. In this episode, we discuss: Nick’s incredible journey from a complete mental breakdown to “euphoric happiness” in solitary confinement. How somatic (body-based) practices can release stuck trauma when talk therapy isn’t enough. The principles of “quadrupedal bodyweight movement” and how it can heal chronic pain and rebuild your body at any age. Why so many of us are disconnected from our bodies and the simple first steps to start living in your body again. Nick’s unconventional 80% carnivore diet that gives him the bloodwork of a man 30 years younger, without supplements. How to listen to the “smartest doctor in the room”—your own body—to guide your healing journey. Healing is not just a mental exercise; it is an embodied experience. My hope is that this conversation inspires you to explore the power of movement in your own life and unlock the freedom that awaits. #DrMarkHyman #PrimalMoves #SomaticHealing #MovementIsMedicine #TraumaRecovery ⁠View Show Notes From This Episode⁠ https://drhyman.com/blogs/content/podcast-ep1071 ⁠ Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman⁠ ⁠https://drhyman.com/pages/picks?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast⁠ ⁠ Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journal⁠ ⁠https://drhyman.com/pages/longevity?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast⁠ ⁠ Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Health⁠ ⁠https://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detox⁠ ⁠ Join the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Results https://drhyman.com/pages/hyman-hive?utm_source=dr_hyman_show&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=episode1065&utm_content=link This episode is brought to you by BON CHARGE, Timeline, Function Health, Big Bold Health, Paleovalley and LMNT. Head to https://⁠boncharge.com⁠ and use code DRMARK for 15% off your order. Support essential mitochondrial health and save 10% on Mitopure. Visit https://⁠timeline.com/drhyman⁠ to get 10% off today. Join today at ⁠https://FunctionHealth.com/Mark⁠ and use code HYMAN100 to get $100 toward your membership. Get 30% off HTB Immune Energy Chews at ⁠https://bigboldhealth.com⁠ and use code DRMARK30. Get nutrient-dense, whole foods. Head to ⁠https://paleovalley.com/hyman⁠ for 15% off your first purchase. Get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order—just head to ⁠https://drinklmnt.com/hyman⁠. (0:00) Introduction: Nick Brewer's journey from drug trafficking to wellness (1:54) Dr. Hyman's personal experience with Primal Moves (3:04) Nick Brewer's early life, injuries, and descent into drug trafficking (6:07) Benefits and development of quadrupedal body weight movement (7:26) Thriving in solitary confinement through movement (10:17) Embodying practices for self-awareness and psychological breakthroughs (16:14) The healing power of somatic work and movement (24:37) The science of somatic healing and the principles of primal moves (28:06) Daily practices for optimal health and the importance of high-quality food (35:17) Personal transformation and societal observations post-prison (41:15) Introduction to the Hyman Hive membership community (42:12) Evolving movement practices and their unique benefits (44:00) The significance of embodied practices for mental health (52:32) Practical steps to begin an embodied movement practice (54:00) Embracing flexibility in movement practices and listening to the body (57:29) Where to find Nick Brewer and Primal Moves This video shares a man's intense journey from drug abuse to addiction recovery and a profound spiritual awakening. He speaks about self awareness and the difficult process of self discovery, touching on aspects of psychology during this time. It's a story of personal transformation.