• Why your symptoms are not “all in your head”… but your brain may be more involved than you realize

• What “neuroplastic” (mind-body) symptoms actually are: real, physical, measurable, treatable—often without structural damage driving them

• Common symptom patterns we see: chronic pain, migraines/headaches, IBS, pelvic pain, TMJ, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety/panic sensations, POTS-like symptoms, sensory sensitivities

• How the brain creates symptoms as “protection” when it learns to associate certain sensations, movements, emotions, or contexts with danger

• The root patterns that often predict neuroplastic symptoms: chronic stress, emotional suppression, trauma (including sexual trauma), people-pleasing, perfectionism, hypervigilance, fear of movement, “internalizing”

• Why these cases get missed: normal imaging/labs, symptoms that move around, flare with stress, improve with distraction, and don’t match a clean structural explanation

• The big reframe: it’s rarely this OR that—many women have real biological issues + a nervous system running an old danger script

• The pioneers and frameworks we reference: John Sarno (TMS), Howard Schubiner & PRT, Alan Gordon, Gabor Maté, Charlie Merrill (movement fear), Carden Rabin (felt sense), Kate Murphy

• Tools that help retrain the danger circuits: pain reprocessing therapy, somatic tracking, emotional expression/journaling, nervous system regulation (breathwork/HeartMath/shaking/tapping), graded exposure to feared movement, trauma-informed inquiry

• Resources + therapies to explore: key books, programs, and therapy modalities like somatic therapy, EMDR, trauma-informed work, mind-body coaching

In this episode, Jen and Melissa unpack a question that can completely change your healing journey: Could my symptoms be neuroplastic or mind-body? We explain how the brain and nervous system can generate very real physical symptoms—especially when chronic stress, trauma, and protective patterns like perfectionism and people-pleasing are in the mix. We also cover why these symptoms are often missed (and why being told “it’s in your head” feels so invalidating), plus the practical tools and resources that help retrain the brain’s danger response so symptoms can finally unwind.

1. Mind-body symptoms are real. Neuroplastic doesn’t mean “made up”—it means the nervous system is generating symptoms without ongoing structural damage driving them.

2. Your brain is always predicting and protecting. If it learns “this sensation/movement/emotion = danger,” it can create pain, gut symptoms, dizziness, fatigue, and more as a protective response.

3. Clues matter: symptoms that move locations, flare with stress, worsen with hyper-focus, improve with distraction, and don’t match imaging are strong signs the danger circuits may be involved.

4. It’s usually both biology + neurobiology. You can have real hormone/gut/nutrient issues and a nervous system that’s keeping symptoms stuck—treating both is where true resolution happens.

5. Awareness is medicine (and practice changes brains). Education alone can reduce symptoms for many people, and tools like PRT, somatic tracking, emotional expression, and graded exposure can retrain the system toward safety and relief.

Links and Resources:

📱 Dr. Mel's Social Media

Instagram: @blossom_integrative Facebook: Blossom Integrative Health YouTube: Blossom Integrative Health

📱 Dr. Jen's Social Media

Instagram: @healthinmotionwellness Facebook: Health in Motion Wellness

Websites:

www.drauchter.com

www.healthinmotion-wellness.com

💬 Enjoying the podcast? Follow, rate, and share to support our mission of whole-person healing!

EPISODE 33: Caffeine Chronicles: Sip or Skip?

In this episode of "Gut Feelings, Life Unfiltered," Dr. Melissa and Jenette Auchter dive into the world of coffee, exploring its benefits and potential downsides. They discuss the cultural significance of coffee, its health impacts, and the various trends surrounding it, such as bulletproof coffee and collagen-infused drinks. The conversation also touches on the importance of listening to one's body and adjusting coffee consumption based on individual health needs and lifestyle.

1. Coffee is a beloved morning ritual for many, often considered a "third parent" in households.
2. The episode explores whether coffee is beneficial or harmful, depending on individual health and consumption habits.
3. Coffee is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which can reduce the risk of certain diseases.
4. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can spike cortisol and lead to digestive issues.
5. Timing of coffee consumption is crucial; waiting 90 minutes after waking can optimize its benefits.
6. Bulletproof coffee and collagen-infused drinks are popular trends, but their health benefits vary.
7. Coffee can exacerbate adrenal fatigue and should be consumed mindfully.
8. Pairing coffee with protein can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
9. Personal genetics play a role in how individuals metabolize caffeine.
10. The hosts encourage listeners to experiment with coffee alternatives and share their experiences.

1. Coffee can be both beneficial and detrimental, acting as a mirror to one's health.
2. Listening to your body and adjusting coffee habits can improve overall well-being.
3. Consuming coffee with food, especially protein, can mitigate negative effects.
4. Waiting 90 minutes after waking before drinking coffee can enhance its positive impact.
5. Exploring coffee alternatives can provide similar enjoyment without potential downsides.

EPISODE 32: What it looks like to work with us- our Functional Medicine program, RECLAIM

Brief Summary:

In this episode of "Gut Feelings, Life Unfiltered," Dr. Melissa and Jenette Auchter reflect on the challenges of the holiday season and the relief of returning to routine. They introduce their functional medicine program, designed to address the root causes of symptoms often overlooked by traditional medicine. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of symptoms, the impact of personality traits on health, and the need for nervous system regulation. They invite listeners to prioritize their health and explore their program for a transformative journey.

• The episode discusses the exhaustion and relief after the holiday season.
• Dr. Melissa shares her experience with overindulgence in holiday foods.
• The importance of routine and self-care is emphasized for the new year.
• Jenette and Dr. Melissa introduce their functional medicine program.
• The program aims to address symptoms that traditional medicine often overlooks.
• They discuss the interconnectedness of symptoms and root causes.
• The episode highlights the impact of personality traits on health.
• The importance of addressing nervous system dysregulation is discussed.
• The program includes personalized testing and lifestyle changes.
• Listeners are encouraged to prioritize their health and seek support.

5 Key Takeaways:

Routine and Self-Care - Establishing a nourishing routine is crucial for mental and physical well-being.

Functional Medicine Approach - Addressing root causes rather than just symptoms can lead to more effective healing.

Interconnected Symptoms - Understanding how symptoms are connected can provide insights into underlying health issues.

Nervous System Regulation - A regulated nervous system is essential for overall health and healing.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

- Educating oneself about health can lead to empowerment and better health outcomes.

Links and Resources:

📱 Dr. Mel's Social Media

Instagram: @blossom_integrative Facebook: Blossom Integrative Health YouTube: Blossom Integrative Health

📱 Dr. Jen's Social Media

Instagram: @healthinmotionwellness Facebook: Health in Motion Wellness

Websites:

www.drauchter.com

www.healthinmotion-wellness.com

💬 Enjoying the podcast? Follow, rate, and share to support our mission of whole-person healing!