Newsletter

Vol. 10

No. 1

REFLEX HEALING

Chiropractic methods may seem, at times, to be mysterious and have little obvious connection with the object of a patientÕs complaint.

While the "light touch" used at Friedman Chiropractic may possibly appear superficial, it is actually a critical tool for helping the body to regain health.

Understanding the origins of this method begins with the knowledge that health is dependent upon two things: the integrity of the bodyÕs blood supply and the equilibrium of the nervous system. The blood supplies the body with the nourishment it needs and the nervous system controls the processes by which the nutrition is delivered.

To the degree a disturbance of either of these tissues arises, disease begins. Practically every deviation from normal in the bodyÕs functioning is caused or influenced by circulatory blockage or congestion. Dr. A.T. Still, founder of osteopathy, remarked similarly in 1874: "The rule of the artery must be absolute, universal and unobstructed or disease will be the result."

Subsequently, congestion (or stoppage) in the circulatory system has a direct effect on the Autonomic Nervous System (the involuntary system controlling all automatic body functions).

ItÕs no exaggeration to say that the protectors of the bodyÕs welfare are, therefore, the circulatory (vascular) and nervous tissues. In Chinese medicine, blood and "Chi" (as the nervous system is known in the East) are so intimately related, they are spoken of as "mother and son."

When the Autonomic Nervous System has been disturbed by emotions, diet or injury, it sends a signal to the rest of the body. This warning signal is known as a "reflex." A reflex operates like the fuse box of oneÕs house in which, if too many appliances are turned on, a fuse blows to prevent the house from burning down.

Reflexes are normally painless and regulate physiology automatically. However, if the imbalance inside the body is too great, the reflex gets overstimulated and the body cannot reset its own fuse box. The end result is pain and disturbance of blood circulation to the bodyÕs tissues, leading to disease.

It follows that re-setting the bodyÕs fuse box (nerve reflexes) is essential for healing. How do we locate which body fuses have blown and how do we then re-set them?

Nature provides us with an important clue. Disturbances inside of the body will be reflected on the skin surface, evidenced by sore spots in key areas of the body such as the hands, feet, abdomen, spine or face.

By locating painful or " tight" areas on the skin, we are able to know which fuses (or reflexes) have been activated in organs, muscles or joints. Stimulating these reflexes either by hand, needle or electricity sends a signal back to the central command centers in the spine and brain for the body to recalibrate itself. Clinical investigation has demonstrated that stimulation of the nervous system is equal to stimulation of the circulatory system.

Two of the most important areas of reflex control are the abdomen and the spine. Chiropractic philosophy addresses the nervous aspect of this paradigm and osteopathic philosophy addresses the circulatory perspective, but in reality both arts treat both aspects. Addressing these two systems constitutes the Òopen sesameÓ of healing.

The ability to control body circulation promotes self-healing and achieves what Plato observed in ancient times: "There is one mode of treatment for everything in every illness, and that is to supply the body on each occasion with proper nutrition and proper functions [of nerve and blood]."

For more information about the ways that Body-Mind issues can affect health, see the following articles in this website: "A Philosophy of Health" and "The Wellness Program"

For for information about the Pythagorean Center, see the Directory of Information, send us an email at: jifdoc@aol.com, or call the office at (415) 459-4646.

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Jeffrey I. Friedman, D.C.
FRIEDMAN CHIROPRACTIC, INC.
711 D Street, Suite 104, San Rafael, California 94901-3703
(415) 459-4646

Petaluma Annex: 405 D Street, Suite 2, Petaluma, CA 94952-3006
(707) 773-0288

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