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I bring a holistic approach to body work encompassing the mind, body and spirit. Treating the body as a whole is important for creating a balanced nervous system.
Functional Neuro health: A Holistic Approach to Nervous System Regulation
Functional Neuro health integrates muscle testing with functional neurology to help regulate and optimize the nervous system. By using functional testing and muscle testing, practitioners can accurately assess and address imbalances in the nervous system. This approach focuses on the autonomic nervous system (ANS)—which governs the "fight-or-flight" (sympathetic) and "rest-and-digest" (parasympathetic) responses. A balanced ANS supports the body’s innate ability to heal.
Vagus Nerve and Parasympathetic Activation
The vagus nerve, a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, plays a vital role in regulating digestion, heart rate, inflammation, and emotional resilience. Dysfunction in the vagus nerve can lead to anxiety, poor digestion, chronic pain, and immune dysfunction. Through specific techniques like muscle testing, vagus nerve stimulation, and manual therapies, practitioners can help restore its function. Stimulating the vagus nerve—via diaphragmatic breathing, cold exposure, or gentle cranial nerve exercises—often produces immediate, positive shifts in overall well-being.
Primitive Reflex Integration
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements present at birth, governed by the brainstem, which should naturally integrate in infancy. When these reflexes remain active (retained primitive reflexes), they can disrupt brain and nervous system function, contributing to issues like anxiety, behavioral challenges, poor focus, sleep disturbances, and sensory processing issues. Functional Neurohealth uses reflex testing to identify and integrate these retained reflexes, often achieving remarkable improvements in just 1-2 sessions.
Cranial Nerve Assessment
The 12 cranial nerves are vital for sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic regulation. Dysfunction in these nerves can contribute to symptoms like vertigo, facial tension, swallowing difficulties, or blurred vision. Cranial nerve assessments, combined with targeted corrections, support the nervous system’s overall balance and integration.
Integrative Therapies for Deeper Healing
In addition to muscle testing and manual therapy, Functional Neurohealth may include the use of complementary therapies to enhance results:
PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field): Supports cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and enhances the nervous system's ability to heal.
Red Light Therapy: Stimulates cellular energy production and tissue repair, improving circulation, reducing pain, and promoting overall balance in the nervous system.
STIM POD Therapy: Targets nerve-related pain, enhances muscle function, and improves neuromuscular communication.
These therapies are introduced as needed to address specific dysfunctions and amplify the benefits of nervous system corrections.
Manual Therapy and Its Role
Manual therapy enhances Functional Neurohealth by addressing physical restrictions that affect nervous system function. Techniques such as craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, or targeted joint mobilization work synergistically with brain-based approaches. For example, releasing tension in the neck and upper body can improve vagus nerve tone and support cranial nerve function. Manual therapy also aids in creating a calm, parasympathetic state, enabling the brain to better process corrections.
Emotional Regulation and the Mind-Body Connection
Emotions play a powerful role in nervous system health. Chronic stress or unresolved trauma can create patterns of dysregulation, keeping the body in a constant "fight-or-flight" state. Functional Neurohealth honors the mind-body connection, using techniques to identify emotional blockages and reframe neurological patterns. Muscle testing often reveals emotional triggers, allowing for gentle release and deeper healing.
Common Reasons to Seek Functional Neurohealth
Functional Neurohealth addresses a wide range of challenges, including:
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Vertigo
Pain
Vestibular issues (e.g., dizziness, vertigo)
ADHD, Autism, and learning difficulties
Chronic pain or tension
Sensory processing issues
Depression and anxiety
Sleep dysfunction
Behavioral challenges
Digestive issues (e.g., IBS)
Trauma recovery
Immune Issues including allergies
By working with the body’s natural pathways and respecting its preferred corrections, Functional Neurohealth offers a gentle yet transformative approach to improving physical, emotional, and neurological well-being.
Happy Clients
I first came to Kristen to address pain. If you're looking at this you probably understand how this affected every aspect of my life. I had been struggling for years with very little success from traditional medicine. Initially, Kristen spent considerable time getting to know me and my issues. She does this every time I see her for whatever ailments I have. Often Pain triggers pain and it is difficult for me to tell her what exactly is the problem. Unlike other healthcare professionals I have asked for assistance from, this does not prove to be an issue for her. Kristen has achieved a blend of skills that complement her capacity to target what is troubling me. Most of these skills are beyond my understanding but have enabled me to sleep better, move better and relieve the psychological ramifications that struggling with constant pain can bring. She has made it possible for me to return to work and enjoy the activities I love. With eternal gratitude, Bernadette.