Ancillary Techniques to Aid with Spasticity and Chronic Fight-Flight-Freeze

Disclaimer:  I receive no compensation for any products or services that I recommend.  

One of the challenges in integrating neurophysiology with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to address patterns of spasticity is the need to translate qualitative TCM concepts (pattern differentiation) into a concrete clinical treatment. In my prior work in clinical toxicology, there was rigorous attention to method development that was objective and could hold up in a court of law. This involved testing using spikes, controls, and repeated analysis to ensure accuracy and reliability. The challenge now lies in how to use TCM, which  employs more qualitative methods, to create objective treatments for various patterns successfully. This approach is particularly important in the treatment of neurogenic diseases, where our understanding of pathology is in its infancy.   The pharmaceutical industry, which is supposed to adhere to similar rigorous standards, is falling increasingly short. 

Ancillary Aids #2: Supplements for Use with Symapthetic Dominance

Digestive issues such as chronic constipation, food allergies, malabsorption, and gastroparesis are prevalent in nearly all cases of neurogenic trauma, including stroke sequela, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, small fiber neuropathy (SFN), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This also applies to adult survivors of childhood trauma. To support optimal digestion under these conditions, targeted supplementation is essential to prevent long-term degeneration and wasting. The cost of one consultation can save you hundreds of dollars otherwise spent on ineffective products, as most clients cannot accurately self-diagnose. While I highly recommend working with a trained clinician for guidance on these issues, these supplements are generally safe to use.

The Impact on Children's Development: Socialization and Sensory Overload

Post-pandemic, many school teachers reported that children appeared stunted in their development, lacking proper socialization. Socialization is a higher-order function of the autonomic nervous system, dealing with primitive reactions related to social engagement. The trauma of not attending school during formative years was significant, but the greater trauma was the sensory overload from excessive screen time before their brains were ready.[1] As I mentioned, the brain will begin to ignore and then diminish afferent sensory pathways in an attempt to reduce sensory input. A developing child has not finished their limbic or emotional regulation, which is part of the educational process. In an attempt to reduce their own overwhelm, children will first resist and then refuse subjects that overwhelm their autonomic nervous system (ANS). While it looks like defiant behavior, many times it is self-preservation.

Lung (Fei) Arm Tai Yin

Function and Significance: The Lung meridian governs the intake and distribution of Qi, playing a crucial role in respiration and the immune system. It maintains the balance between internal and external environments, protecting the body from external pathogens through its influence on the Wei Qi. The Lung also regulates water passages, influencing the moisture balance in the skin and the entire respiratory system.

Lung Arm Tai Yin and Deep Front Line: Neuro Focused

     Tai Yin (Greater Yin) Channels:  Arm Tai Yin: Lung Sinew Channel

Urinary Bladder (Pang Guang) Leg Tai Yang

Function and Significance: The Urinary Bladder meridian controls the storage and excretion of urine, regulating fluid balance in the body. It plays a significant role in managing the autonomic nervous system, particularly in stress responses, and is connected to the kidneys.

UB Tai Yang (Greater Yang) Channels Sinew Channel Correspondences- Leg and back

 Tai Yang (Greater Yang) Channels - leg and back

Integrative Undertanding: Development of the Nervous System

To show a neurological approach to TCM, it is necessary to expand and redefine aspects of the nervous system to include TCM principles. Our nervous system is made up of two components: the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), and the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) serves as the connection between the brain and the body and regulates many body processes that are outside of our conscious control and automated. The involuntary, automatic part of the PNS is called the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and it has three components: the sympathetic autonomic nervous system (SANS), parasympathetic autonomic nervous system (PANS), and the enteric nervous system (ENS). For the purposes of traditional Oriental Medicine, the balance of yin and yang in the body is most closely reflected by the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. (Fang Li, 2015)

Introduction to Sinew Channel Binding Points

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the sinew channels, or Jing Jin, represent the body's muscular and fascial pathways, which are important for movement, posture, and the flow of Wei Qi (defensive energy). These channels connect the surface of the body to deeper internal structures, forming a network that supports the body’s ability to respond to external stimuli and maintain upright posture. Within this network, binding points are specific areas where the sinew channels converge or connect, creating nodal points that anchor and stabilize muscles and tendons.