Spinal - Emotions - Workshop Summary

Using identification of the Dominant Neurological Layer with Adaptability Testing and light skin pressure on spinal segments to direct emotionally therapeutic perceptions and conversations.

Summary

Workshop explored linking spinal segment dysfunction (subluxation) to emotional patterns for improved clinical therapy and patient care outcomes.

Neurological Layer – Emotional Links

Spinal segments correlate with specific emotional states. Practitioners should utilize these patterns as intuitive guides during clinical adjustments.

Interconnected Health Dimensions

Human well-being integrates structural, biochemical, and mental influences. Ignoring emotional factors hinders effective therapeutic progress for patients.

Clinical Application Methods

Clinicians must apply emotional cues using concise, positive language. Practitioners should prioritize thought identification over deep emotional or psychological analysis for better outcomes.

Details

Relationship between Dominant Neurological Layer and Emotions: Nick Hodgson presented a bonus workshop focused on the relationship between the dominant neurological layer (the segment of the spine requiring treatment) and associated emotional patterns, drawing on over 30 years of clinical observation and experience. The goal is to use the differential diagnosis of the dominant neurological layer, combined with adaptability testing, to direct emotionally therapeutic conversations with patients. This approach involves generalizing observed emotional patterns that may correspond with specific spinal levels, emphasizing that clinicians must individualize and test these observations for each patient.

Interconnected Dimensions of Health: The discussion established that individuals are spiritual beings, not merely a body and mind, highlighting the complexity of a person's well-being in terms of emotions. Concepts like the chiropractic "triad of health" (structural, biochemical, mental) and the "three causes of subluxation" (physical, chemical, emotional) emphasize the interconnectedness of these dimensions, implying that ignoring the chemical or emotional aspects may hinder the therapeutic process. It was noted that it can be difficult to determine whether emotion causes physical problems or vice-versa, as the psycho and soma are interconnected, and constant thoughts and emotions can lead to physical manifestations.

Segmental Relationships and Associated Emotional Cues: The core of the presentation explored a hypothetical segmental relationship between dominating emotions (auto-suggestions) and the dominant neurological layer, which is the area manifesting the most stress. Specific segments and their possible associated emotional states or verbal cues were shared: such as the occiput suggesting someone is thinking or analyzing; C1 associated with being squashed or trapped; and C2 often indicating an overload of issues; C5 with anger, resentment, and frustration; C7 with being dejected or downhearted; and upper thoracics with carrying heavy responsibilities.

Emotional and Physical Links in the Lower Spine and Extremities: The conversation continued to link the lower spine and certain segments to emotional states, noting that lower thoracics are often connected to the adrenal system and states of exhaustion or fatigue; Lumbar issues frequently manifest when people have lost a sense of control, or are experiencing uncertainty, failure, or weakness, leading to cues like asking what is out of control for them; The sacrum/pelvis, which functions as a shock absorption system, is associated with rigidity, inflexibility, and resistance, while the coccyx is the classic pattern of fear and fright; Finally, TMJ issues are linked to clenching and bracing related to anticipation of bad outcomes, suggesting a prompt about what is going wrong or irritating them.

Clinical Application of Emotional Triggers: These statements, cues, or triggers should be used as a loose guide, relying on the clinician's intuition and experience to expand on the provided metaphors. The suggested approach involves making a suggestion to the patient prior to delivering percussion therapy or an adjustment, aiming for the patient to connect with the trigger and the stimulus to break the underlying connection. Practitioners are advised to use thoughts rather than feelings as a cue, as identifying thoughts is generally quicker, and to keep the consultations short and positive, avoiding excessive psychoanalysis or offering life advice.

Potential Time Order of Neurological Layers: An additional, unconfirmed observation shared was the possibility of a time order in the dominant neurological layers, where the first layer seen might relate to thoughts about the future, the second to the here-and-now, and the third to issues from the past. Dr Nick emphasized that this time order is a loose pattern without confirmation or testing, but encouraged practitioners to allow themselves to develop clinical intuition to have a greater impact on the emotional and mental aspects of their practice members.