Episode #51: Unlocking Pediatric Brain Development with Brainwaves and Laser Therapy

About the Guest(s):

Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is a dynamic and passionate chiropractic neurologist in training, renowned for her dedication to pediatric functional health. With extensive expertise in sacro occipital technique, chirodontics, and clinical neuroscience, Dr. Kristin is committed to innovating how functional medicine integrates with neurology to enhance patient outcomes. Currently on the path to becoming board certified, she combines rigorous study with active clinical practice, making her a valuable source of knowledge in the rapidly evolving field of neuroplasticity and brain health.

Episode Summary:

In this captivating episode of Functional Health Radio, host Dr. Kristin Hieshetter delves into the intricacies of pediatric brain development, exploring the functional ranges of brainwave frequencies that play a pivotal role in how children process information. As she shares her insights from both personal clinical experience and academic study, listeners gain a fascinating glimpse into the complex and ever-evolving world of developing brains. With a background in chiropractic neurology and pediatric health, Dr. Kristin expertly guides her audience through the rich landscape of brainwave activities and their critical impact on growth, learning, and memory in youth.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Kristin elucidates the different brainwave types—delta, theta, beta, alpha, and gamma—providing a thorough understanding of their significance in various developmental stages. Leveraging her profound expertise, she explains how these brainwaves influence activities like sleep, concentration, memory formation, and creativity. She offers actionable insights into how parents and practitioners can support their children's cognitive development and shares exciting interventions like low-level laser therapy that promises to enhance brain function. Her thought-provoking discussion of the deromenegeal system and practical tips for optimizing brain health, including box breathing exercises and nutritional support, ensures listeners walk away with valuable tools to apply in real-world scenarios.

Key Takeaways:

• Brainwave Functions: Each brainwave type—delta, theta, beta, alpha, and gamma—has a unique role in cognitive processes such as sleep, concentration, and creativity, essential for a child’s development.
• Neuroplasticity Insights: Neuroplastic changes can occur as quickly as within 21 days, highlighting the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and grow with proper intervention.
• Role of Low-Level Lasers: Low-level laser therapy can safely enhance brainwave activity in underactive areas, proving beneficial for conditions like ADHD and concussion recovery.
• Importance of Synaptic Pruning: Proper synaptic pruning strengthens effective neural pathways and minimizes non-productive activity, aiding in healthy cognitive and behavioral development.
• Integrating Play: Engagement in games like "Simon Says" and "Red Light, Green Light" is key for developing impulse control in children through activation of higher executive functions.

Notable Quotes:

• "The more we learn about the brain, the more we realize we really don't know anything."
• "Low-level laser therapy is just a tremendous tool…you can correct kids' brain waves with low-level laser. It is so cool."
• "These games, red light, green light, hopscotch…are so critical for impulse control."
• "You can see neuroplastic changes, permanent neuroplastic changes, in as little as 21 days."
• "Try this Brain Waves app. See what you can do to enhance your own human experience by tapping into the power of the waves generated by your amazing human nervous system."

Resources:

• ICPA - International Chiropractic Pediatric Association for locating certified pediatric chiropractors.
• Brain Waves App, a tool recommended by Dr. Kristin for retraining brain waves (not hyperlinked, not specified further).
• Functional Health Mastery Group
• Simplified Functional Medicine on Facebook for additional insights in functional health.
• The Integrative Health Institute for professional development in integrated health practices (not hyperlinked, not specified further).

Engage with this insightful episode to deepen your understanding of pediatric brain development and discover practical strategies to support cognitive health. Tune in next week for more valuable insights from Functional Health Radio.