Episode 351: Brain Rehab That Works: Tools for Concussions & Migraines w/ Dr. Ayla Wolf

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Eila Wolf, who specializes in functional neurology and Chinese medicine. We dig into how these fields come together to help people dealing with concussions, migraines, and chronic pain — and why traditional approaches often fall short. Dr. Wolf walks us through the science behind her methods, including how acupuncture, vestibular work, and eye movement assessments can reveal what’s really going on in the brain after an injury. We also talk about her new book, The Concussion Breakthrough, and how it’s helping patients who’ve been struggling with long-term symptoms finally find a path forward. If you want a deeper understanding of how the brain heals — and how functional neurology can help you or someone you know recover faster and more completely — you’ll get a ton out of this conversation. Sponsors: Beyond Power Voltra 1: https://www.beyond-power.com/michael13 Tecton Ketone Esters: https://tectonketones.com Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here. Episode Chapters: 00:46 Exploring Functional Neurology 01:23 Concussions and Eye Movements 02:09 Dr. Wolf’s Book and Newsletter 02:42 Starting the Conversation 02:49 Dr. Wolf’s Lecture at Northwestern 03:40 Better PowerPoint Presentation Tips 04:29 Challenges of Creating New Talks 05:57 AI in Research and Presentation 07:22 Cadaver Lab Experience in Toronto 09:07 Acupuncture and Anatomical Research 09:54 History and Acceptance of Chinese Medicine 11:47 Skepticism and Evidence in Acupuncture 13:41 Research Design Challenges 17:18 Innovative Acupuncture Studies 21:34 Psychedelics and Research 23:15 Dr. Wolf’s Journey into Acupuncture 27:08 Favorite Herbs and Their Benefits 29:16 Introduction to Functional Neurology 33:18 Case Studies and Clinical Insights 35:59 Sensory Tricks for Migraines 38:13 Mechanisms Behind Sensory Tricks 39:32 Light Sensitivity and the Midbrain 40:45 Personal Experience with a Health App 41:31 Understanding Light Sensitivity 42:59 Case Study: Pupil Response and Eye Pain 44:09 Eye Movements & Concussion Diagnosis 47:06 Gaze Stability and Neurological Insights 52:19 The Concussion Breakthrough Book 55:45 Complex Cases in Functional Neurology 01:04:27 Visual + Vestibular Integration 01:14:55 Final Thoughts and Resources  Flex Diet Podcasts You May Enjoy:  Episode 132: The Effects of Creatine Supplements on Brain Function, Concussion, and Sports Performance with Dr Eric RawsonYouTube: https://youtu.be/g7f8yHNlawU  Episode 311: Maximizing Athletic Performance with Neurology: Insights from Dr. Dylan SeeleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnuYQ-GJ6to Connect with Dr Wolf: The Concussion Breakthrough: https://www.amazon.com/Concussion-Breakthrough-Discover-Missing-Recovery/dp/B0FDBLVDVH Website: https://www.acupunctureneurology.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayla_wolf354 Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: Drmiketnelson YouTube: @flexdietcert Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us Get the Daily Fitness Insider newsletter (free): https://www.miketnelson.com/newsletter