Specialized Techniques Sacro Occipital Technique SOT Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) is an advanced chiropractic technique that was researched and developed over a period of more than 50 years by Dr. M. B. DeJarnette, a chiropractic and osteopathic doctor. Many years of research has shown that there is a small rhythmic pumping motion that occurs between the sacrum (the tailbone), and the occiput (the bone in the back of the skull). This pumping motion helps to circulate cerebrospinal fluid around the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. The cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, helps to cushion the brain and spinal cord, as well as providiing nourishment, removing waste, and acting as an ideal medium for nerve energy conduction. When this fluid stagnates due to a malfunction in the pumping mechanism, malnourishment occurs, waste products build up to toxic levels, and nerve energy conduction is reduced or lost. Recent researhc has detected the presence of CSF at the peripheral nerves traveling as far out as the fingers and toes. Also, because the covering of the brain and spinal cord - the dura - is attached to all the bones of the spine, as well as the cranial bones and nerve roots, a restriction of the sacro-occipital motion can lead to disruption of the other parts of the spine. This can adversely affect any part of the body that has a nerve supply, leading to malfunction, disease, and death of that part. SOT is a very low force technique that has been designed to restore the normal pumping motion, thereby restoring proper nervous system function, and, in turn, proper function of the related body parts. It is divided into three categories - category I, II, and III - which indicates a progressive breakdown in the spinal balance. Craniopathy Craniopathy is a chiropractic specialty which deals with slight motion that occurs in the bones of the head, or cranial bones. There are 22 bones in the human skull, all of which are separated by movable structures called sutures. These bones house and protect the brain, which makes up 80% of the nerve system. Protective membranes, called meninges, surround the brain and divide it into its various sections. These membranes also contain the cerebrospinal fluid - a fluid that helps nourish, support, and protect the delicate neural structures. These membranes infiltrate the cranial sutures and become the external, or outside, covering of the cranial bones. Inside, these membranes continue down the spine, surrounding the spinal cord and attaching to the nerve roots. Any excess tension that builds up at any of these attachment points can cause undo stress on delicate brain, spinal cord, and nerve tissues, leading to various malfunctions throughout the body. Chiropractic doctors who specialize in craniopathy - which requires many additional hours of schooling and study - can detect and correct these abberant tensions and stresses, allowing the body to heal and to funtion normally again. These are some of the functions that can be affected by various cranial bone imbalances, as well as some of the sypmtoms: Occipital bone - balance, coordination, vision, motor skills, sensation, voluntary motion, speech, muscle tone, headaches, hormonal imbalance. Temporal bone - hearing (deafness), middle ear infections, eustachian tubes, nerve supply to the face (Bell's Palsy, facial neuralgia, Tic Douloureux), migraines, TMJ and dental balance (malocclusions), ringing in the ears (tinnitis), cough, nausea, neck tension, arm and leg coordination, sciatic pain, muscle control of the body, organ balance and function, vision, lack of normal developement, failure to adapt to the environment, emotions, loss of defense mechanisms, loss of normal awareness, body temperature changes. Frontal bone - voluntary motion, behavior, emotions, mental development, sinus, facial balance, higher learning, post nasal drip, cough, coated tongue, cerebral palsy, retardation, walking problems, mental judgement, allergies. Parietal bone - coordination of motion, many kinds of headaches, blood pressure problems. Sphenoid bone - All of the above, plus: hormone production, healing of wounds, inflammation control, energy, sleep, menstrual problems, sexual problems, weight gain or loss. Maxillary / Malar bones - sinuses, airway and breathing, swallowing, chewing, dental balance, TMJ, cranial bone motion and balance. CMRT Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique is a system of detecting occipital fibre imbalances related to muscle attachments along the base of the skull that have been found to become tight and tender when various nerve or organ imbalances exist. These are then used to treat the nerve imbalance, as well as the organ through specific organ therapy. Through CMRT, many conditions related to organ problems can possibly be corrected - including digestive, circulation, hormonal, body chemistry, and others. Applied Kinesiology Applied Kinesiology is a method of diagnosis that utilizes muscle testing, or testing the strength and weaknesses of various muscles, to determine how your body is functioning. The information gathered by this method is used to determine the best form of treatment. Treatment can then be applied utilizing any one or a number of different techniques. These techniques can include chiropractic adjustments, muscle-ligament-tendon therapy, cranial techniques, meridian therapy (acupressure, acupuncture, etc.), visceral / organ therapy, nutrition, and various other health restoration techniques. Applied kinesiology is especially useful for sports injuries and can reduce the recovery time from these injuries significantly. Click below for information on the following services:   Specialized Techniques   Meridian Valley Chiropractic, along with all information provided, is for educational purposes only and is not an attempt to replace the need to seek healthcare services or to provide specific healthcare advice. We strongly encourage users to consult with their chiropractor or other qualified healthcare professionals for personal healthcare attention and answers to personal questions. Meridian Valley Chiropractic 13106 S.E. 240th St., Suite 201 Kent, WA 98031 www.hugheschiro.com Michael Hughes, DC E-Mail: mvcc92@gmail.com Phone: 253-631-1118 Fax: 253-631-1156   © 2001-2003 Healthy Practices, Inc. All rights reserved.