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Stop Coping. Build Capacity.

Train your nervous system with Seven Rivers Wellness. Seven integrated streams, practices that are flexible with real life.

The Seven Rivers Method™

Based in the Republic of Ireland | Online Worldwide

Exhausted by Your Own Life?

You have been trying to juggle everything, work deadlines, family responsibilities, elderly parents, and your body and mind are screaming. The chronic stress means you are cancelling plans because you simply cannot face another commitment. The hormonal chaos makes you feel like your body is betraying you. The physical pain and tension limits what you used to do without even thinking about it.

You have tried so many different approaches, hoping each one would be the answer. Some of them helped for a while, then life got busy again and they fell away. Some never quite fitted into your schedule in the first place. Others worked brilliantly once, but then lost their effect over time and you could never quite get that magic back.

Here's what we know: You're not broken. You're just stuck. We can pull you free.

Exhausted by own life

Everyone needs something from you. There is nothing left for yourself.

Seven Rivers Wellness founded by Matt and Sandra

two practitioners who know this territory not just professionally, but personally. Between them, they bring over 45 years of lived experience navigating chronic stress, burnout, hormonal upheaval, and physical pain, alongside deep clinical training across breathwork, acupuncture, therapeutic yoga, reflexology, acupressure, meditation, and functional wellness.

We work with you through seven integrated streams, not as isolated techniques, but as a connected system that trains your nervous system the way you would train any other capacity: progressively, sustainably, and in a way that fits your actual life.

Whether you are just beginning to explore what support might look like, or you are ready to commit to a structured programme of real transformation, there is a place here for you.

Seven Streams of Wellness Converge

Your nervous system does not experience anxiety separately from physical tension.
Hormonal disruption does not happen separately from sleep issues.
Everything is interconnected.
That is why we integrate seven streams of wellness:

Breathwork

Breathwork

Nervous system regulation through respiratory control

Movement

Movement

Therapeutic yoga and biomechanical practices for physical restoration

Acupressure

Pressure Point Therapy

Targeted pressure point therapy for immediate relief

Meditation

Meditation

Deep relaxation and mental clarity practices

Healthy

Functional Wellness

Optimising sleep, hormones, and daily rhythms

Neuron

Nervous System Regulation

Understanding and resetting stress response patterns

User

1:1 Coaching

Social care

Accountability

Ongoing connection, accountability, and shared learning

Breathwork

Breathwork

Nervous system regulation through respiratory control

Movement

Movement

Therapeutic yoga and biomechanical practices for physical restoration

Acupressure

Pressure Point Therapy

Targeted pressure point therapy for immediate relief

Meditation

Meditation

Deep relaxation and mental clarity practices

Healthy

Functional Wellness

Optimising sleep, hormones, and daily rhythms

Neuron

Nervous System Regulation

Understanding and resetting stress response patterns

User

1:1 Coaching

Social care

Accountability

Ongoing connection, accountability, and shared learning

Breathwork

Breathwork

Nervous system regulation through respiratory control

Movement

Movement

Therapeutic yoga and biomechanical practices for physical restoration

Acupressure

Acupressure

Targeted pressure point therapy for immediate relief

Meditation

Meditation

Deep relaxation and mental clarity practices

Healthy

Functional Wellness

Optimising sleep, hormones, and daily rhythms

Neuron

Nervous System Regulation

Understanding and resetting stress response patterns

User

1:1 Coaching

Social care

Community Support

Ongoing connection, accountability, and shared learning

These streams work together because real transformation requires addressing the whole system. We build nervous system capacity the way athletes train their bodies, progressively, sustainably, and effectively.

Matt and sandra together

Ready to Build Capacity?

We know what it is like to be stuck in survival mode. We understand the overwhelm, the exhaustion, the feeling that something had to change but not knowing where to start.

That is why we are here, not just as practitioners, but as people who have walked this path ourselves.

We are based in the Republic of Ireland and work with clients online worldwide. Whether you are navigating corporate stress, hormonal transitions, chronic pain, or simply feeling like life is demanding more than you have to give, we understand.

Who We Are

Together, we have navigated 45+ years of combined lived experience with the exact challenges our clients face. We remember how it feels when your body seems to be letting you down, when stress is stealing your life one cancelled plan at a time, when everyone needs something from you and there is nothing left for yourself.

That is why we created Seven Rivers Wellness.

Matt

From Corporate Director to Holistic Healer

I spent over 30 years climbing the corporate ladder, 17 of those as a director managing teams across the UK, Dubai, China, and Switzerland. From the outside, I had it all. But my nervous system was screaming.

By 2023, at 51 years old, I left corporate life behind. I am a qualified acupuncturist registered with the Acupuncture Foundation Professional Association Ireland, advanced oxygen advantage instructor and Reiki practitioner who speaks the language of stressed professionals because I was one. My approach is honest, direct, grounded in science, and empathetic.

Read Matt's Full Story

Matt

Sandra

15+ years as a holistic therapist

I have navigated many health battles, such as endometriosis, that would have broken many people: endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, four rounds of IVF, and ultimately a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo, oophorectomy at just 34 years old.

Over 15 years, I have built extensive expertise in Traditional and Advanced Reflexology, Reiki, multiple yoga certifications, breathwork training, and biomechanical movement. I specialise in supporting people who are juggling demanding careers, family responsibilities, and their own wellbeing, because I have lived that overwhelm intimately.

Read Sandra's Full Story

Sandra

Real Transformation Stories

"Thanks so much for the session yesterday. I felt great after it. The most relaxed and well that I have felt in a while. I did get a bit panicky later but did my breathing, went to bed early and slept right through! I’m happy to work with this (did the breathing first thing), but I will get in touch if I have any issues."

"As a person who has had many many holistic treatment down through the years to support various health issues and concerns, I cannot recommend Sandra highly enough as a reflexologist and a person. She has kept me sane and enhanced my general wellbeing so much over the past few months. From the initial contact and then entering the treatment room for the first time I felt at home, safe and seen in a really genuine way. Sandra's energy and personalised treatment and plan for me has been a real game changer in my life. Thank you Sandra and I am already looking forward to my next session."

"I recently started going to Matt due to problems with sleeping and sinuses. The difference was immediate - my sleep has improved significantly, my sinuses are much improved and since he has also helped with some muscular problems. Coupled with talking through ways to better manage stress I found the treatments to be a huge help to my overall well-being."

We work alongside conventional medicine. Menopausal medication, mental health prescriptions, and medical treatment all have their place. Integration creates the best outcomes. You deserve access to every tool that supports your wellbeing, not either/or, but both/and.

Choose Your Starting Point:

Relief

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Our approach

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Transformation

Corporate Programmes

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STREAM 1: BREATHWORK

I've tried breathwork before and found it confusing. How is this different?

I've tried breathwork before and found it confusing. How is this different?

We teach you three core systems (Oxygen Advantage, Buteyko, and ARIA) with clear guidance on when to use each one. You'll learn which technique works for anxiety, which for sleep, which for energy. We start with one simple practice and build from there.

I'm worried I'll do the breathing techniques wrong. Is that possible?

I'm worried I'll do the breathing techniques wrong. Is that possible?

It's difficult to harm yourself with breathwork, though poor technique can feel uncomfortable. We provide video demonstrations showing proper form, and 1:1 Supported tier clients receive personalised feedback. You also have access to our practitioners through the community platform.

How long do I need to practise breathwork each day?

How long do I need to practise breathwork each day?

Our protocols range from 2-10 minutes. A 3-minute box breathing session can shift your nervous system. A 5-minute practice before bed improves sleep quality. We teach flexible practices that fit real life.

I have asthma/COPD/respiratory issues. Can I still do breathwork?

I have asthma/COPD/respiratory issues. Can I still do breathwork?

Yes, with modifications. Many breathwork techniques can improve respiratory function. We'll adapt practices to your current capacity and prioritise safety. Mention your condition during your Week 1 assessment so we can personalise your protocol.

What's the difference between the breathing techniques? Why not just one method?

What's the difference between the breathing techniques? Why not just one method?

Different situations require different responses. Box breathing creates balance, perfect for general stress. Extended exhale activates rest-and-digest, ideal for sleep. Light breathing (Buteyko) reduces inflammation. You'll learn which tool to use when.

Can breathwork help with anxiety and panic attacks?

Can breathwork help with anxiety and panic attacks?

Yes. Breathwork directly influences your autonomic nervous system through vagal nerve stimulation. Intentional breathing interrupts the anxiety cycle, rebalancing carbon dioxide levels and signalling safety. You'll learn emergency protocols plus daily resilience-building practices.

Focusing on my breath makes me more anxious. What do I do?

Focusing on my breath makes me more anxious. What do I do?

This happens to some people, especially those with trauma history. We teach alternative entry points, starting with movement or acupressure first. We also offer techniques that don't require intense focus, like gently extending your exhale during normal activities.

STREAM 2: MOVEMENT

I'm not flexible at all. Can I still do yoga?

I'm not flexible at all. Can I still do yoga?

Absolutely. Our therapeutic yoga is about nervous system regulation and tension release, not flexibility. Every practice includes modifications, and we offer chair-based options. Your flexibility will improve naturally over time.

I already go to the gym. Do I still need this?

I already go to the gym. Do I still need this?

Our therapeutic movement serves a different purpose, it releases stored tension, restores natural movement patterns, and regulates your nervous system. Many clients do both. The gym trains your body's capacity; our movement helps your nervous system process experience.

How long are the movement practices?

How long are the movement practices?

10-45 minutes daily. You'll learn short sequences you can do in your bedroom, office, or hotel room.

I have chronic pain or an injury. Will movement make it worse?

I have chronic pain or an injury. Will movement make it worse?

Our therapeutic movement is designed to help chronic pain, and we will adapt to your body's current capacity within the one-to-one programme. Personalise our protocols so if something hurts, we adjust.

What if I'm unfit or overweight? Will I be able to keep up?

What if I'm unfit or overweight? Will I be able to keep up?

Yes. Our practices are therapeutic, not fitness-focused. You move at your own pace with modifications for every fitness level. Nothing is competitive. This is about releasing tension and regulating your nervous system.

I hate yoga. Do I have to do it?

I hate yoga. Do I have to do it?

No. Whilst movement is one of our seven streams, we adapt to what works for you. Some clients prefer biomechanical stretching, gentle walks, or simple somatic practices. We'll emphasise your stronger streams and introduce movement gradually.

Can I do movement practices if I'm pregnant or postpartum?

Can I do movement practices if I'm pregnant or postpartum?

Yes, with appropriate modifications. Many sequences are safe for pregnancy, and we provide postpartum restoration practices. Inform us during Week 1 assessment so we can adapt your protocol. We recommend checking with your midwife or doctor as well.

STREAM 3: PRESSURE POINT THERAPY

How does pressing on points actually help anxiety or pain?

How does pressing on points actually help anxiety or pain?

Acupressure works through the meridian system, pathways through which energy flows. These points correspond to nerve clusters and fascia connections. Applying pressure directly influences your nervous system, releasing endorphins, reducing cortisol, and signalling safety.

Do I need to believe in Traditional Chinese Medicine for this to work?

Do I need to believe in Traditional Chinese Medicine for this to work?

No. The physiological effects, nerve stimulation, muscle relaxation, hormone release, happen regardless of belief. Many clients approach it pragmatically: "I don't know why it works, but pressing HT7 stops my anxiety, so I use it."

Can I hurt myself by pressing the wrong points?

Can I hurt myself by pressing the wrong points?

It's very difficult to harm yourself. The worst that typically happens is the technique doesn't work or you experience mild discomfort. Avoid deep pressure if pregnant, don't press on injuries, and use lighter pressure on blood-thinning medication. We provide clear safety guidelines.

How do I know if I'm pressing the right spot?

How do I know if I'm pressing the right spot?

We provide detailed video demonstrations and PDF diagrams with anatomical landmarks. Most points are in natural "dips" or tender spots—your body will tell you when you've found it. You don't need millimetre precision; the general area still provides benefit.

How long do I hold the pressure points?

How long do I hold the pressure points?

Typically 30 seconds to 2 minutes per point. Some acute techniques (like HT7 for anxiety) work within 30-60 seconds. Others (like SP6 for hormonal balance) benefit from 2-3 minutes. We teach you specific timing for each point.

Can acupressure replace my medication?

Can acupressure replace my medication?

No. Acupressure is complementary, not a replacement. We work alongside your existing medical treatment, integration creates the best outcomes. Many clients find acupressure reduces symptom frequency or intensity, but medication changes should always be discussed with your doctor.

Is this the same as acupuncture? Do I need needles?

Is this the same as acupuncture? Do I need needles?

No needles involved. Acupressure uses the same point system but applies finger pressure instead. You can do it yourself, anywhere, anytime, no practitioner or equipment required. Matt is a qualified acupuncturist, so we understand both modalities.

STREAM 4: MEDITATION

My mind won't stop racing during meditation. Am I bad at it?

My mind won't stop racing during meditation. Am I bad at it?

You're not bad at meditation, you're human. The mind's job is to think. We teach guided practices like Yoga Nidra and body scan meditation, where your mind has something to focus on. This makes meditation accessible even for busy, anxious minds.

I don't have 20-30 minutes to sit still. Can I still meditate?

I don't have 20-30 minutes to sit still. Can I still meditate?

Yes. Our practices range from 5-20 minutes. A 5-minute body scan before bed can significantly improve sleep. A 10-minute Yoga Nidra practice provides deep rest.

I fall asleep every time I meditate. Is that okay?

I fall asleep every time I meditate. Is that okay?

It depends. If you're practising evening meditation for sleep, falling asleep is perfect. If you're practising daytime meditation and keep falling asleep, you're likely sleep-deprived. We'll work on sleep optimisation first, then return to meditation.

Do I have to sit cross-legged? I have knee/back problems.

Do I have to sit cross-legged? I have knee/back problems.

Absolutely not. You can meditate sitting in a chair, lying down, or even walking. We provide options for every body. Meditation is about your nervous system state, not your physical position. Comfort is essential.

What's the difference between the meditation styles you teach?

What's the difference between the meditation styles you teach?

We primarily teach Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation that systematically releases body tension) and Mindfulness Meditation (present-moment awareness). Yoga Nidra is deeply restorative and easier for beginners. Mindfulness builds capacity to observe thoughts without getting caught in them.

I'm religious and meditation feels like it conflicts with my faith. Can I still participate?

I'm religious and meditation feels like it conflicts with my faith. Can I still participate?

The practices we teach are secular and focused on nervous system regulation, no spiritual elements required. Many clients integrate meditation with their existing faith practices. We respect all traditions and never impose belief systems.

Can meditation help with anxiety and depression?

Can meditation help with anxiety and depression?

Research shows meditation significantly reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. It activates your parasympathetic nervous system, reduces cortisol, and increases GABA. However, meditation alone typically isn't sufficient for clinical conditions. That's why we integrate seven streams and encourage working alongside medical treatment.

STREAM 5: FUNCTIONAL WELLNESS

What exactly is "functional wellness"?

What exactly is "functional wellness"?

Functional wellness optimises the foundational systems that support nervous system capacity: sleep architecture, hormonal balance, circadian rhythms, and daily habits. This includes sleep hygiene, managing shift work effects, timing meals, light exposure, and lifestyle adjustments that don't require huge overhauls.

I work night shifts or have irregular hours. Can these practices help?

I work night shifts or have irregular hours. Can these practices help?

A: Absolutely. Many clients work shifts or have unpredictable schedules. We teach you how to optimise sleep quality when you can sleep, manage circadian rhythm disruption, and support your body when your schedule doesn't match natural light cycles.

Do I have to follow a strict diet or give up coffee/alcohol?

Do I have to follow a strict diet or give up coffee/alcohol?

No. We don't prescribe restrictive diets or demand you eliminate what you enjoy. We focus on nutritional principles that support nervous system health, emphasising addition before restriction. We will help you understand how caffeine, alcohol, and sugar affect your nervous system, what you do with that information is your choice.

I've tried sleep hygiene advice before and it didn't help. Why will this be different?

I've tried sleep hygiene advice before and it didn't help. Why will this be different?

We personalise to your specific sleep disruptions. Can't fall asleep? We'll focus on evening wind-down and nervous system regulation. Wake at 3am? We'll address cortisol patterns and blood sugar. Wake unrefreshed? We'll look at sleep architecture. Personalised protocols work.

I'm perimenopausal/menopausal. Can functional wellness help?

I'm perimenopausal/menopausal. Can functional wellness help?

Yes. Sandra specialises in hormonal health transitions, having navigated surgical menopause herself. We include specific acupressure points (SP6, KID6, LIV3), breathwork for hot flush management, sleep optimisation, and lifestyle adjustments. We also work alongside HRT and other medical treatments.

How quickly will I see improvements in my sleep/energy?

How quickly will I see improvements in my sleep/energy?

Most clients notice improvements within 2-3 weeks. Small changes compound: better sleep improves energy, which increases capacity for practice, which deepens sleep further. Chronic insomnia or severe hormonal disruption may take 4-6 weeks. We track progress weekly.

Do I need to buy supplements or special equipment?

Do I need to buy supplements or special equipment?

No. Whilst we may suggest evidence-based supplements (magnesium, omega-3s, vitamin D), these are never required. We teach nutritional principles first. Supplementation is only discussed if you have clear deficiencies. Most improvements come from optimising what you're already doing.

STREAM 6: NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION

What does "nervous system regulation" actually mean?

What does "nervous system regulation" actually mean?

Your nervous system has two main states: sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest). Regulation means building capacity to shift between states appropriately. When dysregulated, you're stuck in fight-or-flight even when safe. Regulation training teaches you to recognise signals and shift states intentionally.

How is this different from the other streams?

How is this different from the other streams?

Breathwork, movement, acupressure, and meditation are all regulation tools. Stream 6 is about understanding the why behind them. You'll learn theory, recognise your stress patterns, identify triggers, and understand which stream to reach for in different situations. It's the framework that makes all other streams more effective.

Can I actually change my nervous system, or am I just coping better?

Can I actually change my nervous system, or am I just coping better?

You're changing your nervous system. Neuroplasticity means your brain physically rewires based on repeated experiences. Consistent practice creates new neural pathways, increases vagal tone (capacity for calm), and expands your "window of tolerance." This is capacity-building, not coping.

How long does it take to build nervous system capacity?

How long does it take to build nervous system capacity?

Most clients see measurable improvements within 4-6 weeks (better sleep, reduced anxiety, increased resilience). Deep nervous system rewiring happens over 3-6 months of consistent practice.

Can children or teenagers benefit from nervous system regulation?

Can children or teenagers benefit from nervous system regulation?

Absolutely, though our programme is designed for adults aged 18+. Many parents teach techniques to their children informally, simple breathwork, grounding practices, acupressure for test anxiety. For specific child/teen support, we recommend working with a child psychologist trained in nervous system regulation.

STREAM 7: ACCOUNTABILITY

What does accountability look like at Seven Rivers Wellness?

What does accountability look like at Seven Rivers Wellness?

A blend of structured check-ins, warm contact from Matt or Sandra, and a supportive community space. The shape adjusts to the offering you choose, from the 7-Day Reset (€179) through to one-to-one coaching and corporate programmes.

What if I fall behind or life gets in the way?

What if I fall behind or life gets in the way?

Life happens, and our Life Happens Policy reflects that. Short pauses can be absorbed and the door stays open when you are ready to step back in.

Is accountability here about pressure, or support?

Is accountability here about pressure, or support?

Support, always. No streaks, leaderboards, or manufactured urgency, just a steady hand alongside you and curiosity when things slow down.

How is my progress tracked?

How is my progress tracked?

Using 1:1 coaching as an example; Through a baseline assessment, weekly check-ins, written session recaps, and formal reviews at clearly defined points. You see your own progress mapped against your starting point throughout. Using the 7-Day Reset as an example, you create accountability for yourself using the tracker resources provided and the assessment forms so you can see how you have progressed.

GENERAL FAQs ABOUT THE SEVEN STREAMS

Do I have to do all seven streams, or can I pick and choose?

Do I have to do all seven streams, or can I pick and choose?

You'll be introduced to all seven because they work synergistically. However, you'll naturally gravitate towards certain streams. During the 12 weeks, we'll help you discover your "primary streams" whilst ensuring basic competency in all seven. Specialisation develops over time.

What if I hate one of the streams?

What if I hate one of the streams?

If you genuinely dislike a stream after trying it, we'll focus on your stronger streams and find alternative ways to address what that stream provides. For example, if you hate meditation, we might emphasise breathwork and acupressure for nervous system downregulation instead.

How do I know which stream to use in different situations?

How do I know which stream to use in different situations?

That's exactly what you'll learn during the 12 weeks. By Week 6, you'll understand which techniques work for acute stress, sleep preparation, chronic pain, anxiety spirals, or energy. You'll develop intuition about which stream your nervous system needs. We provide decision trees and quick reference guides.

Can I share these techniques with my partner/family/friends?

Can I share these techniques with my partner/family/friends?

Yes. Once you've learned them, you're free to share. Many clients teach simple breathwork or acupressure to their partners, children, or elderly parents. That said, the programme's structured learning, personalised protocols, and practitioner guidance create transformation, sharing isolated techniques won't replicate the full experience.

What if I've tried some of these approaches before and they didn't work?

What if I've tried some of these approaches before and they didn't work?

Seven Rivers is different because:
  1. Integration — all seven streams working together creates synergistic effects.
  2. Personalisation — your protocol is tailored to your specific nervous system.
  3. Expert guidance — we help you troubleshoot and adjust.
  4. Comprehensive approach — we address the whole system, not isolated symptoms.

Are these evidence based practices?

Are these evidence based practices?

Yes. Our practices integrate evidence based techniques with traditional wisdom. Breathwork (Oxygen Advantage, Buteyko) has extensive research. Therapeutic yoga is widely studied. Acupressure has both traditional validation and modern research. Meditation has decades of neuroscience research. Functional wellness is grounded in sleep science and circadian biology.

How much time do I realistically need to commit?

How much time do I realistically need to commit?

Most clients practise 10-20 minutes daily. You won't practise all seven streams every day, you'll use 2-3 streams your nervous system needs that day. For example: Morning = 5 minutes breathwork + 5 minutes movement. Midday = 2 minutes acupressure. Evening = 10 minutes meditation. It's flexible and integrated into your existing routine.

7 Day Nervous System Reset FAQs

How much time does this actually take?

How much time does this actually take?

15-30 minutes daily. The content library is substantial, but we've structured it so you only engage with what you need each day. Everything else is there when you're ready.

What if I can't complete it in exactly 7 days?

What if I can't complete it in exactly 7 days?

Life happens. The content remains accessible forever, progress at your pace without pressure.

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Absolutely. Everything is clearly demonstrated and explained. No previous experience required.

1:1 Online Coaching FAQs

How often will I have sessions?

How often will I have sessions?

That depends on what you are working on and how you want to pace it. Weekly is common at the start, fortnightly once things are steadier, monthly for ongoing maintenance. We talk it through at the discovery call and adjust as we go.

What if I do not know which of you would suit me better?

What if I do not know which of you would suit me better?

That is exactly what the discovery call is for. We will work it out together based on what you are looking for. Most people do not know going in, and that is fine.

Do I have to commit to a block?

Do I have to commit to a block?

No. Single sessions are available any time. Blocks are there for people who want a settled rhythm, not as a requirement.

Can I switch between Matt and Sandra?

Can I switch between Matt and Sandra?

Once we have agreed who is the best fit for your work, sessions ideally stay with that practitioner. Continuity matters in this kind of work. However, we are here for you, so if a change is the best choice then we can certainly do that.

Are the sessions online only?

Are the sessions online only?

This 1:1 online coaching offering is delivered online. Matt and Sandra also offer in-person clinic appointments through their separate practices, which are based in Co Galway.

How is this different from your acupuncture or reflexology clinic appointments?

How is this different from your acupuncture or reflexology clinic appointments?

The main difference is that we are in person in clinic which allows a much more hands-on approach with reflexology or acupuncture. All of the modalities that we use in the clinic sessions Are incorporated into the 1:1 sessions wherever it is practical to do so Book a Discovery Call.

A free fifteen minute conversation. No pressure. We talk about what is going on, what you are looking for, and whether this is the right fit. If it is, we agree the next step. If it is not, we point you toward something that might suit you better.

Book a Discovery Call

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