In manual therapy and integrative medicine, many pioneering clinicians have shaped our understanding of the body’s interconnected systems. Their insights into structure and function form the foundation of many therapeutic practices and inspired the integration of TCM with neurology and myofascial theory. Investigating where these diverse perspectives overlap, rather than focusing on their differences, has provided much of the theoretical framework for this integrative style. This approach offers a more comprehensive way to treat complex conditions, enhance movement, and promote overall health and well-being.
The integration of polyvagal theory with classical oriental medicine for the treatment of neurological disease and trauma has become my life's work.
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Pioneers in Manual Therapy and Somatic Integration -John Upledger and Stanley Keleman
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Pioneers in Manual Therapy and Somatic Integration -Jean-Peirre Barral and Tom Myers
Monday, June 24, 2024
Pioneers in Manual Therapy and Somatic Integration - Ida Rolf and Carla Stecco
Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D. (1896–1979), is a towering figure in the world of bodywork and manual therapy, known for her development of Rolfing Structural Integration. Her work laid the groundwork for understanding the body as an interconnected system where structure and function are inextricably linked. Rolf’s innovative approach to manual therapy has had a profound influence on the fields of somatics, physical therapy, and integrative health, making her a foundational figure in the exploration of fascia and its role in health and well-being.
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Anatomy Slings and their Sinew Channel Correspondences
Anatomy slings refer to specific groups of muscles and connective tissues that work together to produce and control movement, particularly dynamic and cross-body actions. These slings are especially relevant in sports medicine and physical therapy as they highlight how different parts of the body cooperate to maintain stability and facilitate movement.
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Needle and Massage Techniques to Foster Neuroplasticty
Qi Dynamics and Directionality: In TCM, qi is not merely a static concept but a dynamic force that moves through the body's channels, and reflects, at least in part, the transmission of electrical impulses through the nervous system. Understanding how qi/electric charge moves through the body involves appreciating both the superficial and deep layers of tissue, as well as the directional flow influenced by the body's structural and functional anatomy.
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Why a holistic Approach is needed for Neuroplasticity
Chronic Fight-Flight or sympathetic dominance underscores the necessity for a paradigm shift towards treatment strategies that go beyond merely addressing the symptoms of spasticity. It highlights the need to resolve the underlying issue of sympathetic dominance—a persistent fight-or-flight state which inhibits the parasympathetic system, essential for rest, repair, and digestion. Despite significant advancements in our understanding of neuroplasticity, its principles have not yet been fully integrated into the curricula of either modern Western medicine or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Both fields often still adhere to outdated timelines for effective treatment, overlooking the evidence that nerves can regenerate well beyond previously accepted limits.
Friday, June 7, 2024
The Chong Mai: Nerve and Myofascial Integration
Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with neuroscience and medical chemistry presents the challenge of reconceptualizing how classical descriptions represent reactions in the nervous system. This requires both a qualitative understanding of the nervous system's portrayal in ancient texts and a quantitative, reproducible, and objective method to ensure effective treatment, forming a comprehensive approach to contemporary clinical practice.
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Neuro and myofascial Correspondences in the Chong Mai
TCM Description |
Anatomy |
Nerves (Symp/Parasym) |
Myofascial Line (DFL) |
Reflexes/ Plexuses |
Acupuncture Points |
Originates inside the lower abdomen (in the uterus in
women), emerges at the perineum |
Originates in the lower abdomen and pelvic cavity |
Lumbar plexus (L1-L5), Sacral plexus (S1-S4)
(*Parasympathetic) |
DFL - Legs: Pelvic floor muscles, iliopsoas |
Pelvic floor reflexes |
Huiyin
REN-1 |
Ascends inside the
spinal column |
Ascends through the abdominal
cavity, following the anterior aspect of the spine |
Lumbar plexus (L1-L5)
(*Parasympathetic) |
DFL - Trunk: Transversus abdominis,
internal oblique |
Abdominal reflexes, Enteric nervous
system (submucosal and myenteric plexuses) |
|
Connects with the Kidney channel at Henggu
KID-11, ascends through the Kidney channel to Youmen
KID-21, disperses in the chest |
Connects with the kidneys, traversing the paravertebral
muscles and fascia |
T12-L2 (innervation of kidney area) (*Sympathetic) |
DFL - Trunk: Psoas major and minor, quadratus lumborum |
Renal reflexes, Renal plexus |
Qichong
ST-30, Henggu KID-11, Dahe
KID-12, Qixue KID-13, Siman KID-14, Zhongzhu KID-15, Huangshu
KID-16, Shangqu KID-17, Shiguan
KID-18, Yindu KID-19, Futonggu
KID-20, Youmen KID-21 |
Continues to
ascend through the thoracic cavity, impacting the diaphragm |
Ascends through the thoracic cavity,
impacting the diaphragm |
Phrenic nerve (C3-C5)
(*Parasympathetic), Thoracic spinal nerves (T1-T12) (*Sympathetic) |
DFL - Trunk: Diaphragm, DFL - Neck:
Deep cervical fascia |
Thoracic and diaphragmatic reflexes,
Celiac plexus, Splanchnic nerves (*Sympathetic) |
|
Extends into the chest region, influencing the thoracic
organs |
Extends into the chest region, influencing the thoracic
organs |
Thoracic spinal nerves (T1-T12) (*Sympathetic) |
DFL - Trunk: Deep cervical fascia, DFL - Neck: Longus
colli, longus capitis, temporalis |
Intercostal and upper thoracic reflexes, Cardiac plexus,
Pulmonary plexus (*Parasympathetic) |
|
Ascends along the
throat, curves around the lips, terminates below the eye |
Ascends along the throat, curves
around the lips, terminates below the eye |
Various cranial nerves
(*Parasympathetic) |
DFL - Neck: Scalenes, deep cervical
fascia |
Primitive reflexes affecting the
head and neck regions |
|
Emerges at Qichong ST-30,
descends the medial aspect of the legs, terminates on the sole of the foot |
Descends the medial aspect of the legs |
Lumbar and sacral plexuses (*Parasympathetic) |
DFL - Legs: Adductor magnus, tibialis posterior, flexor
digitorum longus |
Lower limb reflexes |
Qichong
ST-30 |
Separates at the
heel, terminates at the big toe |
Separates at the heel, terminates at
the big toe |
Lumbar and sacral plexuses
(*Parasympathetic) |
DFL - Legs: Flexor digitorum longus,
tibialis posterior |
Lower limb reflexes |