Building Healthy Brains Starts Earlier Than You Think | Dr MaryAnne Shiozawa
Ever feel like traditional approaches are only addressing your child's surface-level symptoms without ever fixing the root cause? This episode features Dr MaryAnne Shiozawa, a paediatric and pregnancy chiropractor trained in functional neurology and the Melillo Method, who breaks down how a child's nervous system dictates their behaviour, learning, and emotional regulation. We dive into the hidden impact of birth interventions—from C-sections and forceps to stargazing positioning—and how early physical stress can leave a child's brain stuck in lower-level survival networks. Dr MaryAnne shares how gentle, targeted paediatric chiropractic adjustments help resolve retained reflexes, improve sensory processing, and clear the pathway for healthy cortical development. It is an empowering, eye-opening look at why supporting the physical spine and nervous system is foundational to helping neurodiverse children truly thrive. Key Takeaways Nervous System First: Behavioural and learning symptoms are direct reflections of how well the nervous system is processing and integrating information. Early Birth Stressors: Interventions such as C-sections, forceps, or unusual birth positions can create upper cervical tension that disrupts developmental milestones. Beyond Acuity: Movement and proper spinal alignment directly feed the brain, providing the required stimulation for higher-level cognitive and emotional control. Retained Reflexes: Unresolved infant reflexes keep a child locked in a state of autonomic dysregulation, affecting posture, speech, and focus. Proactive Intervention: Parents shouldn't "wait and see" if a child outgrows early physical or behavioural delays; early neurological support yields the best long-term outcomes. Podcast Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Dr MaryAnne: Paediatric chiropractic, functional neurology, and the Melillo Method. 02:31 – What Inspires Paediatric Care: Connecting nervous system function to childhood development. 11:34 – Modern Environmental & Movement Factors: How tech, diet, and lifestyle reduce vital sensory input . 17:29 – What Happens in the Clinic: Assessing retained reflexes, posture, and neurological gaps. 25:05 – Impact on Behaviour & Regulation: Linking upper cervical health to emotional and academic struggles. 26:15 – Birth Trauma & Cervical Stress: How birth positions and interventions impact infant nervous systems. 31:29 – Early Red Flags: Torticollis, head preference, and sleep disruptions. 38:05 – Why Chiropractic Belongs in Neuro-Rehab: Supporting long-term brain health and functional balance. 45:36 – Don't Wait & See: Final advice for parents seeking root-cause answers. Dr MaryAnne Shiozawa graduated in 1997 from Life University with a Doctor of chiropractic degree. She is a pediatric and pregnancy practitioner, trained and certified in NetworkSpinal and Webster Techniques. She trained with Dr Robert Melillo and the Melillo Method. She is also a certified animal chiropractor. She had a practice in New York City for 11 years, then moved to Paris with her young family in 2009 and continued to practice there for three years. In 2012, she moved to London with her husband and three children and has been running her home practice since then. She now also teaches pediatric seminars, and speaks as much as she can to young chiropractors and students about how chiropractic is one of the greatest jobs in the world. https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_maryanne Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_maryanne/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drshiozawa Substack: https://substack.com/@drmaryanne SOCIAL/IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@braindevelopmentuk https://www.instagram.com/braindevelopmentuk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/larakelly/ https:/www.braindevelopment.co.uk Thrive Hub https://www.thrive-hub.com/ HOST BIO Lara Barnes a successful woman in tech found herself managing behavioural, learning and speech difficulties with her son, she learn functional neurology and how to change the brain to correct his symptoms and build his left brain. The Building the Brain Podcast is for parents needing to understand how to help their children and show them what can be done to change little lives to allow them to shine and be their best version. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
