31. Brain-Based Treatment 101: How Applied Functional Neurology Supports Kids’ Development and Adult Recovery

Feeling stuck when it comes to your child’s development or your own body can be incredibly frustrating, and sometimes the missing piece isn’t where you think it is. In this episode, I’m joined by neuro educator Missy Bunch, who shares how her own career-ending knee injury as a professional dancer led her to discover the powerful connection between the brain, nervous system, and body. Through her work in applied functional neurology, Missy breaks down how the brain processes input, why the body compensates the way it does, and how seemingly unrelated systems (like your eyes, ears, and even sense of smell) can directly impact movement, behavior, and overall function. This conversation will challenge the way you think about symptoms, encouraging you to zoom out, look for root causes, and better understand what your or your child’s body might be trying to communicate.In this episode, we cover:What “brain-based treatment” and applied functional neurology actually mean.How the brain processes input and why the nervous system plays a central role in development.Why the body is constantly compensating and what that can look like in both kids and adults.The connection between cranial nerves, movement, and overall function.How sensory-seeking behaviors may be your child’s way of asking for specific input.Why everything above the neck has a major impact on the rest of the body.The importance of identifying root causes instead of just treating symptoms.How to find qualified practitioners trained in this approach.Simple, practical tools you can try at home, like breathwork and using smell to assess the nervous system.Links:Check out Missy’s website: https://www.missybunch.com/ Connect with Missy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missybunch15 Learn more about Z-Health and find a trainer near you at: https://zhealtheducation.com/find-a-trainer/ 💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/📬 Join the email list for milestone tips + podcast updateshttps://idyllic-hat-942.myflodesk.com/fwefz61097🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at [email protected] Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones