Functional Flow Wellness Podcast

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In this episode, I talk about the things that actually build health. Here are the foundations:

-digestion

-circadian rhythm

-connection with others

-movement

-stress management

-faith

follow @nourish.your.nervous.system and @functionalflowwellness

web: functionalflowwellness.com

email: [email protected]

Welcome back to Season 2 of the Functional Flow Wellness Podcast. In today’s episode, I talk about my approach and take on recovering from chronic illness. Nothing in this episode should be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your own licensed medical provider before making decisions. 

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@nourish.your.nervous.system and @functionalflowwellness

Over the last few months, my views on functional health have changed.

I've changed my outlook on ME/CFS- switching over to the "correct" terminology of M.E.

I've changed my outlook on what the "root causes" behind M.E. may be (more like doubled down on my previous opinions behind it)

And- I've started questioning one of the functional tests I used to love most: HTMA.

Apply to work with me here: functionalflowwellness.com/apply

None of this is medical advice.

In this episode, I impulsively picked up my mic and started recording (so forgive the fact that I have a cold). I've been taking a break due to personal life circumstances, and I felt like it was time to come back.

The beginning is a bit of a ramble, so feel free to skip to the 10 minute mark.

I talk about my reflections on personal growth over the years and eventually how spiritual health integrates with our physical, mental, and emotional health as I share my own personal "spiritual journey."

As my own physical health deteriorated, I was forced into seeking answers for myself. For over a decade I've been repeating the same prayer over and over again: to know the Truth in life. I whole-heartedly believe I've found it- and that Truth is God, and God is love. I truly hope you find it too.

What if movement could be healing instead of draining?
In this episode, I sit down with Erica Ziel, a movement expert with over 20 years of experience, to talk about how gentle, fascia-focused movement can transform recovery from chronic illness, mold toxicity, Lyme disease, postpartum challenges, and more.

Erica shares her personal journey with pain and illness, and how it inspired her to create a holistic approach to movement that supports the nervous system, strengthens the body, and fosters emotional release—without overexertion or setbacks.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between “do nothing” and “push harder,” this conversation will show you there’s another way.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why intense workouts often backfire for those with chronic illness or high stress

• How to use nourishing movement to calm the nervous system and support healing

• Practical ways to start moving again without fear of crashes or flares

• How visualization and breathwork can create real, measurable strength

• Why the fascia holds emotions—and how gentle movement can unlock release

• The importance of gradual progression and avoiding the “all-or-nothing” trap

• Tools like infrared saunas, ball rolling, and short breath-focused sessions

• How to adapt strength training for hypermobility, EDS, and cranio-cervical instability

Highlights from our conversation:

• Movement as Medicine: Erica reframes exercise as healing rather than calorie burning.

• Gentle Core Work: Her Core Rehab program uses slow, breath-driven movements (10–15 minutes) that work for everyone from athletes to those with severe illness.

• Breathing for Healing: A simple stomach-lying breath practice improves oxygenation, calms the body, and eases pain.

• Emotional Release: Fascia holds onto emotions—movement can bring them to the surface for true healing.

• Sauna Support: Infrared saunas gently support detox and lymph flow without taxing the body.

• Stability Before Stretching: Especially for hypermobility and EDS, strengthening weak areas is key before deep stretching.

• Neck + Nervous System Care: Gentle postural exercises can stabilize the neck and improve blood flow to the brain, easing brain fog and POTS symptoms.

Resources + Connect with Erica

• Website: ericaziel.com

• Instagram: @ericaziel

In this episode of the Functional Flow Wellness Podcast I break down my FREE Habit Stacking Challenge.

This is to help you regulate your circadian rhythm, balance blood sugar, sleep better, and more.

Join the free challenge here: https://www.functionalflowwellness.com/challenge-page/bfa7173a-3b9a-4ce8-bc52-b32729de93a5?programId=bfa7173a-3b9a-4ce8-bc52-b32729de93a5

Don't forget to follow me @functionalflowwellness on Instagram and tag me in your stories during the free challenge!

Carly's Integrated Approach Carly explains her integrated approach, which began with functional diagnostic nutrition and expanded to include emotional processing and various life coaching certifications, culminating in a trauma-informed somatics certification. Her aim is to empower clients to reclaim their lives by addressing mind, body, soul, and energetic aspects, recognizing that physical symptoms often stem from underlying emotional suppression.

• Passion for Working with Young Women Carly’s greatest passion lies in working with young women, particularly those in their mid to late 20s, whom they find receptive to alternative practices. She enjoys helping these individuals expand their worldview, process inner child work, and realize the profound impact of having support.

• The Importance of Client Relationships Both Carly and Kristin emphasize the relational aspect of their work as a favorite part of their roles. They highlight the significance of holding space for clients to share openly, breaking down beliefs that prevent them from taking up space or expressing themselves fully, especially since many clients have been dismissed by traditional doctors.

• Addressing Dismissal in Healthcare Carly discusses how their clients, often with prior mental health diagnoses or CPTSD, are accustomed to being dismissed by the traditional medical system. She stressed that even if symptoms are linked to a mental health disorder, the pain is real and should be validated, advocating for a holistic understanding that recognizes the deep connection between mental and physical well-being.

• Mindset and Somatics Carly clarifies that her approach to mindset goes beyond mere manifestation and affirmations, recognizing that physical issues cannot be “mind-setted” away if they originated in the body. Carly details her use of somatics, meaning "of the body," to help clients reconnect with their bodily cues, feel safe in their bodies, and trace physical symptoms back to core wounds or past decisions, ultimately untangling limiting stories and rewriting them.

• Breaking the Symptom Loop Kristin and Carly discuss the challenge clients face when stuck in a symptom loop, particularly with chronic fatigue syndrome, where focusing on symptoms can intensify stress responses. Carly advises asking clients what the symptoms are doing for them, encouraging acceptance and recognizing that symptoms often serve a protective mechanism, such as forcing rest.

• Acceptance and Progress Beyond Symptoms Carly highlights that acceptance of one's current state is crucial for breaking free from the symptom loop, counteracting the common misconception that acceptance equates to staying stuck. She emphasizes helping clients shift their attention from narrowly defined symptom markers to broader indicators of progress, such as changes in thought patterns, daily interactions, and other health markers, especially for those with invisible illnesses.

• Carly's Personal Health Journey Carly shares her personal health journey, which began after discontinuing antidepressants and led to an addiction to functional health, culminating in an orthorexia diagnosis.

• Addressing Root Causes and Hyperfixation Kristin and Carly discuss that health issues are rarely caused by a single factor, often stemming from a combination of elements. They noted a tendency for both themselves and clients to hyperfixate on finding "the one reason" for symptoms, like mold or hormones, which can create its own loop, but ultimately, they advocate for a holistic approach rather than chasing single root causes.

• Shifting from "Why" to "What Do I Need?" Carly explains the importance of shifting from "why" questions, which can lead to unproductive rabbit holes and increased anxiety, to "what do I actually need in this moment?".

In this episode I reflect on what has actually helped in recovery from ME/CFS, POTS/Dysautonomia, and more. Go back to episode 11 to hear the backstory.

I address my health as a whole.

GI Map, Cortisol and Hormone Testing, Histamine and DAO testing, Oxidative Stress, Intestinal Permeability, Gluten Sensitivity, and more.

This is never medical advice.

Apply to work with me here: functionalflowwellness.com/apply

In this raw and personal episode, I’m taking you back to the beginning, before the protocols, before the testing, before I had any answers.

I’m sharing my full backstory:
→ The unexplained symptoms I experienced growing up like anxiety, dysautonomia symptoms, vasovagal syncope, and more.
→ The gradual unraveling of my health in my teens and early 20s
→ The development of POTS, ME/CFS, hormonal issues, bloating, non celiac gluten sensitivity, GERD/acid reflux, chronic allergies, mold illness, and more
→ How I navigated a medical system that left me with more questions than answers

This isn’t a recovery story yet (that's to come in next week's episode). This is the part most people don’t talk about: the confusion, the fear, the feeling of being dismissed or misunderstood. Whether you’re just starting your own healing journey or deep in the trenches, I hope my story reminds you that you’re not alone.

📍Part Two (next week) will dive into how I began piecing everything together and what ultimately helped me move forward as a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner.

🧡 Let’s Connect:
Follow me on Instagram @functionalflowwellness for more behind-the-scenes, daily tips, and chronic illness support.

🧰 Explore My Offers:
Curious about how I help clients recover from chronic fatigue, POTS, and more?
→ Check out all my offers here: functionalflowwellness.com/programs

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This is not medical advice.