FAQ

BodyLink is a natural healthcare clinic located at 56A Forge Road, Silverdale, Auckland, specializing in gentle, non-invasive therapies that enhance brain-body communication.

The clinic focuses on addressing physical, emotional, and neurological challenges, with a particular emphasis on developmental and learning difficulties in children, though it serves individuals of all ages, from infants to adults.

Services include:

- Neurological Integration System (NIS): A research-based method to detect and correct disruptions in the body’s communication pathways, supporting systems like the immune system, hormones, digestion, and musculoskeletal health.

- Primitive Reflex Integration Program: Targets retained primitive reflexes that can disrupt development, learning, attention, coordination, and behavior.

- Personalized Assessments and Therapies: Comprehensive evaluations of neurological and developmental profiles, followed by tailored treatment plans using modalities such as movement-based exercises, red and infrared laser light therapy (photobiomodulation), Rezzimax vibration therapy, oxygen therapy (if needed), and Neurosage (a computer-based brain stimulation program).

These therapies aim to identify and address the root causes of dysfunction, promoting improvements in learning, balance, behavior, and self-regulation through enhanced neural connectivity.

BodyLink welcomes individuals of all ages, from newborns to older adults. The primary focus is on children experiencing developmental, learning, or behavioral challenges that may limit their well-being and potential.

The clinic also supports teenagers and adults, particularly those with issues like anxiety, hormonal imbalances, chronic pain, or post-concussion symptoms, provided they are willing participants.

For teenagers, engagement is crucial, as lack of participation can hinder progress, while committed teens often achieve excellent outcomes.

No, a formal diagnosis is not required to begin treatment at BodyLink. Many families seek support before a diagnosis is made, often to gain clarity on their child’s challenges.

BodyLink provides comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans but does not diagnose conditions.

For formal diagnoses, such as those needed for school funding or support, the clinic recommends consulting a registered pediatrician or educational psychologist.

At BodyLink, our approach begins with a comprehensive neurological and developmental assessment to identify underperforming areas of the brain and body, including how the nervous system is functioning overall.

Based on the findings, we design a personalised treatment plan using gentle, non-invasive modalities that stimulate and strengthen neural pathways—supporting improved regulation, movement, learning, and behaviour.

Your child’s programme may include:

• Movement-based exercises to promote brain-body coordination and reflex integration.

• Red and infrared laser light therapy (photobiomodulation) to enhance cellular energy and reduce inflammation.

• Rezzimax vibration therapy to support brainstem regulation and neurological recovery.

• Oxygen therapy (if indicated) to aid brain oxygenation and energy metabolism.

• Neurosage, a screen-based brain stimulation tool to support postural balance, attention, and recovery from retained reflexes, concussions, or developmental delays.

We follow a bottom-up neurological model, prioritising the stabilisation of brainstem and sensory-motor foundations (such as primitive reflexes, balance, and eye tracking) before progressing to higher-level cognitive, behavioural, and academic support.

Our clinical approach is grounded in evidence-informed methods, drawing on:

• The INPP method (Sally Goddard Blythe), which targets neurodevelopmental delay and primitive reflex integration.

• The Infinity Method (Dr Josh Madsen), a neurological model that promotes stability and function through movement, light, and targeted neural input.

Most programmes run over approximately 10 weeks, although frequency may vary—some children benefit from twice-weekly sessions during this period, depending on their individual needs and how they respond to therapy.

The duration of a treatment program varies based on the child’s unique needs, but

BodyLink typically works in three phases:

1. Primitive Reflex Integration (approximately 10 sessions): Focuses on addressing retained primitive reflexes originating in the brainstem.

2. Vestibular/Oculomotor Strengthening (approximately 10 sessions): Targets balance and eye movement systems to support learning and coordination.

3. Cognitive and Behavioral Support (ongoing or as needed): Addresses higher cognitive functions, such as self-regulation and academic skills, often incorporating additional support like play therapy.

Children are typically seen weekly to maintain momentum, with each phase lasting around 10 weeks, though some may progress faster or require more time. The total number of sessions is individualized, and periodic check-ins every three to six months are recommended to ensure sustained progress.

Primitive reflexes are automatic responses present in infancy that support survival and early development but should naturally fade as a child grows. When these reflexes remain retained, they can disrupt normal development, impacting:

- Learning: Slow reading, poor memory retention, or di􀆯iculty with academic tasks.

- Attention: Trouble focusing or sitting still, often resembling ADHD-like behaviors.

- Coordination: Poor handwriting, clumsiness, or balance issues.

- Emotional Regulation: Anxiety, emotional outbursts, or low confidence.

- Sensory Processing: Sensitivities to touch, sound, or light.

- Sleep and Stress Resilience: Sleep disturbances or di􀆯iculty managing stress.

The Reflex Integration Program assesses these reflexes using a scoring system (0 = fully integrated, 4 = fully retained) through physical examinations, developmental milestone reviews, and parental questionnaires.

Therapy involves gentle, targeted movements, light therapy, and other modalities to integrate reflexes, creating stronger neural pathways for improved learning, behavior, and self-regulation.

The Neurological Integration System (NIS) is a research-based method that detects and corrects disruptions in the body’s communication pathways to restore optimal function in systems like the immune system, hormones, digestion, and musculoskeletal health.

A BodyLink therapist uses gentle muscle testing to assess the nervous system, identifying imbalances. Light touch is then applied to specific areas to prompt the brain to reset disrupted functions, without needles, manipulation, or invasive procedures.

NIS is safe, calming, and often leaves children feeling more focused and relaxed. It complements other therapies like tutoring, speech therapy, or occupational therapy by strengthening neurological foundations.

NIS can support a wide range of issues, including:

- Hormonal imbalances or fatigue.

- Digestive or respiratory discomfort.

- Stress-related symptoms like anxiety or low mood.

- Structural tension or chronic muscle pain.

- Behavioral or learning challenges in children.

- Post-concussion symptoms or brain fog.

For children with sensory processing disorders, a desensitization program (8–16 weeks) may be recommended first to reduce tactile defensiveness before proceeding with NIS.

BodyLink conducts a thorough developmental and neurological assessment during the first session, which takes about one hour and combines consultation with initial NIS treatment. This assessment evaluates:

- Primitive Reflexes: Using specific movements and a scoring system (0–4) to determine retention levels.

- Developmental Milestones and History: A detailed parental questionnaire provides context on medical history and early development.

- Functional Patterns: Balance, coordination, eye tracking, and sensory-motor functions are examined.

- Neurological and Physical Health: Includes checks on digestion, brain hemisphere communication, and musculoskeletal health.

If a child shows challenges in concentration, academics, balance, coordination, social behavior, or sensory integration, they are likely to benefit from BodyLink’s programs.

Parents can also discuss specific concerns via the website, phone (09 421 1411), or

email (michelle@bodylink.co.nz) before booking.

The first appointment involves a comprehensive developmental and neurological assessment, lasting approximately one hour. It includes:

- Evaluation of primitive reflexes and their impact on development.

- Assessment of functional patterns like balance, coordination, and eye tracking.

- Muscle testing to identify neurological imbalances using NIS.

- Review of developmental history via a parental questionnaire.

Based on the findings, the therapist designs a personalized treatment plan tailored to the child’s needs. Parents are encouraged to be present, especially for younger children, to understand the process and support their child’s progress.

BodyLink’s programs can support a variety of challenges, including:

- Learning Difficulties: Slow reading, poor memory, or struggles with writing/spelling, often linked to reflexes like ATNR (affects eye tracking) or Palmar Reflex (affects

handwriting).

- Behavioral Issues: Impulsivity, emotional outbursts, or ADHD-like behaviors, often tied to reflexes like STNR or Spinal Galant.

- Emotional Regulation and Anxiety: Over-reactivity or low confidence, often linked to the Moro reflex.

- Coordination and Balance: Clumsiness or poor motor skills.

- Sensory Sensitivities: Discomfort with touch, sound, or light.

- Sleep Issues: Difficulty settling or staying asleep due to nervous system dysregulation.

- Speech and Language Delays: Affected by reflexes like the rooting or sucking reflex.

- Neurodivergent Conditions: Support for children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or sensory processing challenges, focusing on improving brain processing without requiring a diagnosis.

Yes, BodyLink’s programs are effective for reading, writing, and ADHD-related challenges. Specific reflexes impact these areas:

- ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex): Affects eye tracking, making reading difficult,

and can hinder writing by disrupting arm movement.

- Palmar Reflex: Interferes with fine motor skills, impacting handwriting.

- STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) and Spinal Galant: Contribute to fidgeting or

difficulty sitting still, mimicking ADHD behaviors.

By integrating these reflexes and strengthening the nervous system, children often show

improved focus, memory, academic skills, and self-regulation, reducing ADHD-like

symptoms.

Yes, BodyLink’s therapies calm the nervous system, improving emotional regulation, sleep quality, and anxiety. The Moro reflex, which triggers a fight-or-flight response, is often linked to heightened anxiety, over-reactivity, and poor sleep.

Reflex integration and NIS help reduce this heightened state, promoting emotional stability, better mood, and restful sleep. Additional factors like diet, screen time, or sensitivities are assessed to provide a holistic approach.

Unlike traditional therapies or school-based support (e.g., teacher aides), which often focus on managing symptoms or providing classroom assistance, BodyLink addresses the root causes of challenges by targeting neurological imbalances and retained reflexes.

The clinic uses a bottom-up approach, stabilizing foundational brainstem functions before addressing higher cognitive skills. This holistic method examines factors like inflammation or nutrient deficiencies, complementing therapies like occupational therapy, speech therapy, or tutoring by enhancing their effectiveness.

Schools often lack resources to address underlying neurological issues, making BodyLink’s approach more targeted and impactful for lasting change.

Yes, BodyLink’s programs are grounded in science, clinical experience, and emerging research:

- NIS and Reflex Integration: Based on neuroscience and developmental physiology, supported by studies showing retained reflexes impact learning, behavior, and sensory processing.

- Photo biomodulation: Supported by research demonstrating benefits in cellular energy production, inflammation reduction, and neuroplasticity.

- Bottom-Up Approach: Aligns with integrative models like the Infinity Method, focusing on stabilizing brainstem and sensory-motor functions for higher learning and emotional regulation.

- Personalized Plans: Backed by assessment data, clinical indicators, and parent observations, drawing on international evidence and over 20 years of clinical experience.

The clinic continually reviews and adapts its methods to stay aligned with the latest neuroscience advancements.

Yes, BodyLink’s therapies complement other interventions like tutoring, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or play therapy. By strengthening neurological foundations, BodyLink enhances the effectiveness of these therapies, often leading to faster progress.

For example, integrating reflexes prepares the brain for tutoring by addressing gaps in focus or processing, making academic interventions more effective.

Michelle, the lead practitioner at BodyLink, has extensive qualifications and experience:

- Education: Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing (2003), registered nurse since 2003, and a postgraduate certificate in Neurodevelopmental Delay from Chester, UK (2013).

- Experience: Worked briefly at Starship Hospital before transitioning to community nursing. Began practicing NIS in 2005 after passing the proficiency exam and has 20 years of experience in neurological integration.

- Specialisation: Focused on children with learning difficulties, combining NIS with reflex therapy. Regularly attends advanced courses in NIS, nutrition, and neuroscience, including a biennial master’s program in NIS to stay updated with the latest research.

Her expertise ensures a professional, evidence-informed approach tailored to each child’s needs.

Parents are integral to the therapy process. They are encouraged to:

- Attend Sessions: Especially for younger children, to provide comfort and understand

the techniques.

- Perform Home Exercises: Simple, 5-minute daily exercises to reinforce therapy

progress, designed to fit into family routines.

- Receive Guidance: BodyLink provides resources, lifestyle/dietary recommendations,

and email/phone support. If needed, referrals to trusted professionals (e.g.,

nutritionists, play therapists) are offered.

- Monitor Progress: Parents are encouraged to observe changes and provide feedback,

with periodic videos to track improvements.

Consistent parental involvement, especially with home exercises, accelerates progress

by reinforcing neural pathway development.

Yes, parents are encouraged to stay during sessions, particularly for younger children, to help them feel secure and allow parents to understand the process.

However, during therapy sessions, children often focus better without parents present, as parental presence can sometimes distract. This depends on the child, and BodyLink accommodates preferences to ensure the child’s comfort and success.

BodyLink supports neurodivergent children (e.g., those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or sensory processing challenges) through personalized assessments and therapies that improve brain processing.

While the clinic does not diagnose, it identifies underlying neurological patterns contributing to symptoms and uses NIS and reflex integration to enhance focus, behavior, and sensory processing.

The approach is gentle, play-based, and tailored to each child’s unique needs, ensuring engagement and progress.

Improvements vary based on the child’s challenges but often include:

- Enhanced Coordination and Balance: Improved motor skills and physical confidence.

- Better Academic Performance: Improved reading, writing, spelling, and memory due to stronger neural pathways.

- Improved Focus and Self-Regulation: Reduced impulsivity and better attention, especially for ADHD-like behaviors.

- Emotional Stability: Fewer meltdowns, reduced anxiety, and improved mood.

- Better Sleep: Calmer nervous system leading to improved sleep quality.

- Sensory Processing: Reduced sensitivities to touch, sound, or light.

Progress may be gradual or rapid, with videos and regular check-ins used to track changes. Schools often report improvements like advancing reading levels.

If parents sense something is of, even with minor issues, BodyLink’s assessments can identify subtle neurological imbalances before they become significant.

Early intervention is highly effective, as young brains (especially before age three) are highly plastic. The clinic’s thorough evaluations and tailored plans address these concerns, preventing potential challenges from escalating.

Yes, reflexes like the rooting or sucking reflex can affect mouth and tongue muscles, impacting speech and articulation.

Combining reflex integration with NIS supports speech and language development by improving neurological coordination, often complementing speech therapy for faster progress.

BodyLink tracks progress through:

- Regular Check-Ins: Therapists monitor improvements in the child’s challenges and adjust the program as needed.

- Video Comparisons: Initial and periodic videos highlight changes in coordination, behavior, or skills.

- Parental Feedback: Parents report changes in behavior, academics, or emotional regulation.

- School Reports: Teachers may note improvements, such as advancing reading levels or better focus.

While BodyLink doesn’t directly track academic metrics like reading progress, the focus on resolving underlying issues often leads to measurable improvements reported by schools or parents.

Early signs of dyslexia include delayed speech, difficulty recognizing letters or rhyming words, trouble learning the alphabet, confusion with similar-looking letters (e.g., b and d), avoiding reading/writing tasks, poor short-term memory, or difficulty following multi-step instructions.

BodyLink’s assessments identify neurological patterns (e.g., retained ATNR affecting eye tracking) contributing to these issues. Reflex integration and NIS strengthen brain pathways, improving reading, writing, and processing skills, even without a formal diagnosis.

Yes, behavioral issues, meltdowns, and social-emotional challenges are often linked to an overwhelmed nervous system or retained reflexes like the Moro reflex, which triggers fight-or-flight responses.

BodyLink’s therapies calm the brainstem, integrate reflexes, and improve stress processing, leading to fewer meltdowns, better mood, and improved social interactions. Play-based techniques and parental strategies (e.g., calming exercises) further support self-regulation.

Movement-based therapy builds neural pathways by stimulating dendrite growth, creating efficient “superhighways” for brain-body communication.

Repetitive movements like crawling, balance exercises, or animal walks strengthen connections in the brainstem and frontal cortex, improving focus, coordination, memory, and self-regulation.

This foundation supports academic performance and emotional stability.

Yes, it’s never too late to address retained reflexes, though progress may be slower in teenagers and adults due to established neural pathways.

Neuroplasticity allows for new connections, but integration takes longer compared to young children. For adults, retained reflexes (e.g., Moro) can cause anxiety, avoidance of unfamiliar situations, or physical discomfort.

BodyLink’s therapies, tailored to the individual, can improve these symptoms, enhancing emotional and functional well-being.

Birth experiences like C-sections, forceps deliveries, or traumatic births can impact neurological development, potentially leading to retained reflexes or sensory processing issues. These can manifest as learning, behavioral, or coordination challenges later.

BodyLink’s assessments consider birth history to identify related patterns and address them through targeted therapies.

Children may behave differently in different environments due to varying demands. At school, they may suppress emotions to meet expectations, releasing frustrations at home in a safe space.

Conversely, school’s challenges (e.g., academic or social demands) may trigger behaviors not seen at home. BodyLink’s assessments identify underlying neurological factors, and therapies help balance the nervous system to improve consistency across environments.

Yes, sensory-seeking behaviors (e.g., chewing clothes or pencils) or sensitivities (e.g., to loud noises, textures) are often linked to retained reflexes like the Moro reflex or sensory processing issues. BodyLink’s therapies, including reflex integration and NIS, calm the nervous system and reduce sensory overload.

For severe sensory processing disorders, a desensitization program (8–16 weeks) may be recommended first to improve tolerance before therapy begins.

Early intervention is highly recommended, as children rarely “grow out of” neurological or developmental issues. Instead, their brains may develop workarounds, which can mask problems but limit efficiency.

Addressing issues early, especially before age three when neuroplasticity is high, leads to faster, more significant improvements. BodyLink’s therapies clear these “roadblocks” for smoother development.

Excessive screen time can impact focus and learning by overstimulating the nervous system, particularly if content is fast-paced or consumed at inappropriate times. It may exacerbate challenges like inattention or sensory overload.

BodyLink assesses lifestyle factors like screen time and recommends balancing it with movement, outdoor time, and a nutrient-rich diet to support brain health.

Parents can support brain development with simple, screen-free activities:

- Movement Games: Crawling, balance exercises, playing catch, or animal walks.

- Outdoor Time: Encourages sensory integration and reduces overstimulation.

- Quality Sleep: Supports neural growth and emotional regulation.

- Nutrient-Rich Diet: Avoids preservatives or artificial colors that may affect behavior.

These activities, taking just 5 minutes daily, build brain-body connections and complement BodyLink’s therapies.

For reluctant children, BodyLink uses engaging, play-based techniques to build trust and encourage participation. For children under 13, this often works well.

However, if a child strongly resists, the therapist reassesses the approach to ensure suitability.

For teenagers, willingness is critical, as forced participation often yields minimal results.

If resistance creates tension, alternative strategies or a pause in therapy may be considered.

Disagreement between parents can challenge progress, as consistent support is ideal. In separated households, one parent’s active involvement can still yield results. In shared households, open discussion is recommended to align perspectives.

BodyLink provides information and assessments to help parents understand the need for therapy and work toward the child’s best outcome.

Not necessarily, though learning challenges can be hereditary. If siblings seem fine, they typically don’t require intervention. However, parents may request assessments to confirm there are no subtle issues, allowing early intervention if needed.

If home exercises are challenging, BodyLink can adjust the program by incorporating more in-clinic sessions to cover necessary activities. This ensures progress without overwhelming families, maintaining the program’s effectiveness.

Michelle may be with a client and unable to answer the phone.

Appointments can be booked online at www.bodylink.co.nz.

If you’re unable to find a suitable time online, please call us on 09 421 1411 or email us at michelle@bodylink.co.nz.

All consultations are by appointment only Mon-Fri, with after-school and occasional weekend slots available on request to accommodate families.

In some cases, behaviors may temporarily escalate, particularly when addressing reflexes like the Moro reflex.

Stimulating the reflex to integrate it can heighten sensory or behavioral responses for 1–2 weeks as the brain processes it. This typically settles as the nervous system stabilizes, leading to smoother functioning.

Therapists explain therapy to children in a simple, relatable way: their brain is smart but sometimes doesn’t communicate well with their body, making tasks like reading or focusing harder.

The therapist’s job is to find and fix these communication gaps, helping the child feel better and succeed. This approach helps children understand and engage in the process.

Brain development progresses from the brainstem (controlling reflexes and motor functions) to the frontal cortex (managing emotions, attention, and decision-making). Incomplete early stages, like unintegrated reflexes, can disrupt higher functions, affecting focus, emotional regulation, and learning.

BodyLink’s therapies strengthen these foundational pathways, enabling better attention, emotional stability, and academic performance.

Yes, adults with retained reflexes (e.g., Moro) may experience anxiety, avoidance of new situations, or physical discomfort.

BodyLink’s therapies, though slower due to established neural pathways, leverage neuroplasticity to integrate reflexes, reducing these symptoms and improving emotional and functional well-being.

Our fees vary depending on the type and length of service. Below is a summary:

Service & Fee

• NIS (New Patient - Adult)

• $200

• Primitive Reflex Assessment

• $450

• NIS Extended Follow up (45 Minutes)

• $150

• NIS Follow up Appointment (30-45 Minutes)

• $100 - $150

Please note: A 2% surcharge applies to Paywave and Credit Card payments.